What are the biggest misconceptions about building strong relationships at work?

You can work in an environment where everyone is not friends, but you must understand the importance of working towards a common goal. It's always vital to remain respectful and keep the team in mind.

You don’t have to be friends at work. In fact when in a leadership role it is important to keep that professional line crystal clear. When the lines between co-worker and buddy get blurry, a lot of trouble can start to brew in that now “gray” area. You can be kind, compassionate and understanding and not be “friends” with everyone.

The biggest misconception about building strong relationships at work is that this means LIKING or AGREENING with the values and ideas of business stakeholders. A strong business relationship is measured by its ability to reach the outcomes expected of that relationship. Some relationships are strictly transactional and they are strong when both parties get the expected value of that transaction. Some business relationships come with an expectation of camaraderie that, unfulfilled, weakens the relationship. There are many types of relationships and their strength is measured by their expectations of mutual value/outcomes. #relationshipfocus

I worked for a company for many years where I was in a four person team and most of us were never friends. The key was respect. We respected each other's skills. We could not agree on anything else. We literally disagreed on pretty much everything politics, social equality, religion, but it didn't matter. That was the most successful team I have ever been on because of respect.

I see new leaders struggle with the balance of truly caring about those they are leading while maintaining boundaries needed to lead a team. You definitely can and should have personal connections with those you lead, but it is important to always maintain professionalism. Here are some keys to success: 1. DO be genuine and humble. It is ok to admit mistakes. 2. DO care enough to get to know them personally. 3. DO have honest and respectful conversations. 4. DON'T get too involved with their personal life. 5. DON'T have a social relationship outside of work that does not include the entire team.

Strong organizations welcome honest feedback and actually "mine for conflict". They want to hear everyone's perspective as it leads to better decision-making and a stronger company.

Building strong relationships does not mean that you need to be "popular". It is important that you demonstrate a open boundary. An open boundary means that you are flexible (not equivalent to no boundary) and adaptable to any changes to the situation. When you have an open boundary, you are perceived as someone who is empathetic and yet safe person to connect with.

Rapport helps establish trust, open lines of communication, and foster collaboration. If you have a solid rapport, you can disagree without destroying strong relationships. Remember that building rapport is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort to establish and maintain a strong relationship with key stakeholders - make it a two-way street.

Developing your active listening skills and practicing patience can help you deescalate tense conversations. Instead of fixating on the details that you disagree with, work to understand the underlying motivations for their point of view. Chances are high that they want a positive outcome, just like you do; they simply have different ideas. Shifting the focus to shared goals and a joint drive for success unites you as a team and often results in better ideas than either of you had on your own.

A picture of a solid, well refined organization is the ability to disagree and come out on the other side of the issue with a sense of respect for others' opinions.

The real myth here is treating networking like it's some kind of trade-off. Sure, it kicks off with a hello at an event, a mutual friend's intro, or a ping on LinkedIn or email. But that's merely scratching the surface, the real deal starts rolling with what follows. It's all about touching base, keeping the convo going, and offering a helping hand to your connections whenever you can. The savvy ones among us are always on the lookout to lend a hand without keeping score, and oddly enough, that’s when the good stuff circles back their way when they least expect it.

Are we doing random acts of networking or are we networking with purpose? Purpose as in with intention, with integrity, and with genuine curiosity and care for other human beings. There's a difference between following up in a transactional way and following up because we listened carefully and heard something that should be followed up on with care and concern.

Building strong relationships at work is not about networking all the time. It's about genuine connections with people and nurturing those relationships over time. When you have a strong network of relationships, you're more likely to hear about new job openings and get referrals from your colleagues and friends. You will also establish your social and reputation capital. Tips for building strong relationships at work *Be genuine and authentic. *Be interested in others. *Be supportive and helpful. *Be reliable and trustworthy. *Be respectful of everyone.

If the relationship between co-workers is only networking, it won't hold up. Professional relationships are built on mutual respect!

This is another great myth. Networking most of the time is seen as a trade-off, once you think that need to have a good relationship now to be used as a favor in a future situation. Building relations doesn't mean requesting favors, but creating transparent and strong networks to grow professionally and personally.

As a leader, I believe it is important to own and share our mistakes. Mistakes, missteps, and failures not only teach us but they demonstrate to others that we are human. As noted, it shows vulnerability and builds trust. And sometimes, the best outcomes result from mistakes. Catalysts can change elements.

When you avoid owning up to mistakes, you're implying that you're incapable of finding a solution. When it does come to light, keep in mind that bluffing or blaming others alienates people and discourages them from working with you. Sharing your challenges opens the door to personal growth and stronger relationships. When you acknowledge something is going awry and take responsibility for making it right, you build trust and credibility. You're demonstrating that you're aware and proactive. Ask yourself what you're missing to solve the problem. Then reach out with a humble and clear request. Share what's failed and that you value their expertise or perspective. Most people appreciate when you recognize their skills, and are happy to help.

There was only 1 perfect human, and even he tore down the temple! Trying to be perfect is unattainable, and will lead to certain failure!

When I was working in nonprofits, I wrote the wrong name under a photo of one of our biggest donors in our newsletter and I was so embarrassed. I talked to my boss about how mortified I was and he told me this is a great reason to call our biggest donor and get to know him better. I called him to apologize, he truly appreciated it, and we had a nice chat. After that we had a closer relationship and I learned a valuable lesson. Every connection point can be turned into a positive.

You, me, no one is perfect. But we can arrive near I, by doing the tasks in the correct way, requesting help when necessary and always being available to learn. We aren't perfect, but we have an amazing opportunity to always keep learning.

The purpose of a team is that you don't have to do it alone! Together we are all stronger if we have the right people on the bus, and in the right seat!

Beatles and Joe Cocker already said - With a Little Help from My Friends. You don't know everything and you don't be better than anyone. You need to be better than yourself was yesterday. So if you don't know something, or are struggling with some task, raise your hand and ask for help - of a boss or of a teammate.

The true strength of any team lies within its individual members, and to unlock that strength, a leader must remove the constraints of micromanagement and allow adequate space for individuals to grow. By mastering the art of delegation, a leader can do exactly that.

• Complacency: Be the example and set a standard of excellence for others to emulate. Your men and women will not take the hill if you’re simply yelling commands from the safety of the rear; lead from the front, and when you can’t, follow diligently. • Pride: You’re not always right, and that’s a good thing. The true strength of any team lies within its individual members, and to unlock that strength, a leader must remove the constraints of micromanagement and allow adequate space for individuals to grow. • Ego: Nothing is accomplished alone, and success is a team effort. We must never lose sight of the fact that we are only as good as the men and women who follow us; alone, we are no more than an individual who solely possesses a vision.

This article does a good job of establishing some of the common misconceptions. It also highlights some of the strengths that are necessary to form long-lasting connections. The characteristics of owning mistakes, asking for help, being vulnerable, being open to listening, and offering support is essential in forming genuine bonds and authentic relationships.

Confidence in your own abilities enables you to approach situations with a mindset of "how can I be of assistance?" Ultimately, what individuals seek in a work environment is a team member who genuinely cares about their well-being and desires, someone who has their best interests at heart. This is real relationship building.

Building strong relationships at work can help you connect and learn. These relationships help you feel cared for, supported, and heard especially if senior leadership is involved and engaged. While friendships might develop over time, listening and learning and treating other people as people first and foremost fosters networks and connections both with your team and beyond. This leads to purpose, impact, and value which is essential to us as human beings, people, and employees.

Corporate environments are great places to create strong relationships and learn how to do and how to don't do things. The key to success is to be balanced - Don't exaggerate in anything and always be available to hear, and to learn.