How can you use rapport skills to build strong relationships with IT departments?

1 Understand their perspective

One of the first steps to building rapport with IT departments is to understand their perspective and challenges. IT professionals often have to deal with complex, technical, and urgent tasks that require a lot of attention and expertise. They may also have to balance multiple demands from different stakeholders, such as managers, clients, or vendors. Therefore, they may appreciate clear, concise, and relevant communication that respects their time and expertise. Try to learn more about their work, their goals, and their pain points, and show genuine interest and appreciation for their contributions.

2 Adapt your communication style

Another way to build rapport with IT departments is to adapt your communication style to match theirs. IT professionals tend to value logic, facts, and data over emotions, opinions, or anecdotes. They may also prefer direct, straightforward, and objective feedback over vague, ambiguous, or subjective comments. Therefore, when you communicate with IT staff, try to use clear, specific, and factual language that avoids jargon, assumptions, or exaggerations. For example, instead of saying "The system is slow and frustrating", you could say "The system takes 10 seconds to load each page, which affects the user experience".

4 Respect their boundaries

A fourth way to build rapport with IT departments is to respect their boundaries and preferences. IT professionals often have to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and stressful environment that requires concentration, focus, and accuracy. They may also have to deal with frequent interruptions, changes, or emergencies that disrupt their workflow. Therefore, they may appreciate your respect for their time, space, and privacy. Try to avoid unnecessary or excessive communication that distracts them from their work, such as phone calls, emails, or meetings. Also, avoid making unrealistic or unreasonable requests or demands that exceed their scope, capacity, or authority.

5 Build trust and credibility

A fifth way to build rapport with IT departments is to build trust and credibility with them. IT professionals often have to work with sensitive, confidential, or critical information that requires security, integrity, and reliability. They may also have to work with high standards, expectations, and regulations that require quality, performance, and compliance. Therefore, they may appreciate your honesty, transparency, and professionalism in your interactions with them. Try to be consistent, reliable, and accountable in your communication, actions, and deliverables. Also, admit your mistakes, apologize for your errors, and learn from your feedback.

6 Share your values and vision

A sixth way to build rapport with IT departments is to share your values and vision with them. IT professionals often have a passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm for technology, innovation, and learning. They may also have a vision, mission, and purpose for their work, such as improving efficiency, productivity, or customer satisfaction. Therefore, they may appreciate your alignment, engagement, and recognition of their values and vision. Try to show how your HR projects align with their values and vision, and how they contribute to the overall success of the organization. Also, share your own values and vision, and how they relate to theirs.