What are effective ways to build professional relationships with colleagues in different departments?

2 Offer help and feedback

Another way to build professional relationships with colleagues from different departments is to offer help and feedback when appropriate. You can share your expertise, skills, or resources to support their needs, solve their problems, or enhance their outcomes. You can also provide constructive feedback, suggestions, or compliments to acknowledge their efforts, improve their performance, or boost their morale. By offering help and feedback, you can demonstrate your value, generosity, and collaboration.

3 Involve them in your processes

A third way to build professional relationships with colleagues from different departments is to involve them in your processes, such as testing, reporting, or reviewing. You can invite them to participate in your activities, meetings, or workshops to show them how you work, what you expect, and what you deliver. You can also ask for their input, feedback, or approval to show them that you respect their opinions, expertise, and authority. By involving them in your processes, you can increase your transparency, alignment, and accountability.

4 Appreciate and celebrate their achievements

A fourth way to build professional relationships with colleagues from different departments is to appreciate and celebrate their achievements, such as completing a task, reaching a milestone, or receiving a recognition. You can express your gratitude, admiration, or congratulations to them personally, publicly, or in writing. You can also join or organize celebrations, such as parties, lunches, or awards, to share their joy and success. By appreciating and celebrating their achievements, you can foster your goodwill, positivity, and camaraderie.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?