You’re struggling to build relationships with your coworkers. What’s the best way to start?

Building relationships with your coworkers can be challenging, especially if you work remotely, have different personalities, or come from diverse backgrounds. However, having good interpersonal skills can help you communicate effectively, collaborate productively, and create a positive work environment. In this article, you will learn some practical tips on how to start building rapport and trust with your colleagues, even if you feel shy, awkward, or nervous.

1 Be curious and respectful

One of the best ways to start building relationships with your coworkers is to show genuine interest and respect for them. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and giving feedback. For example, you can ask them about their hobbies, goals, challenges, or opinions on work-related topics. You can also compliment them on their achievements, skills, or contributions. However, avoid being intrusive, judgmental, or gossiping. Respect their boundaries, privacy, and preferences.

Add your perspective

Shantanu Prabhakar Kolhatkar

Linkedin Top Career Counseling Voice | Founder at The Speaks Consultancy | Elevate Your Potential, Educate for Success, Empower Your Future.
Report contribution
I have experienced such a situation where in I used to not get quite along with one of my colleagues. The first step I took is increase dialogue you should try to empathize. stop criticizing, praise in public and criticize in private. People are not afraid of criticism they are reluctant because of the surroundings. make sure that the person will understand that you are there to help !

Like

2 Be helpful and supportive

Another way to start building relationships with your coworkers is to offer your help and support when they need it. You can do this by sharing your expertise, resources, or insights. For example, you can offer to mentor a new colleague, suggest a solution to a problem, or recommend a tool or course. You can also express your appreciation, gratitude, or recognition. For example, you can thank them for their assistance, acknowledge their efforts, or celebrate their successes.

Add your perspective

Namit Arora

Production Supervisor at Mondelēz International. Coordinating IL6S Implementation & Operational Excellence
Report contribution
The key to building relationships with coworkers is listening and giving them all ears. You should have a keen interest in knowing about them and what they have achieved. There is no harm in listening to things that you already know as long as that gives you common grounds to build a good professional relationship. Another thing that I believe is important in this aspect is to be respectful and show genuine respect.

Like

3 Be friendly and sociable

A third way to start building relationships with your coworkers is to be friendly and sociable. You can do this by initiating or joining conversations, invitations, or activities. For example, you can greet them in the morning, chat with them during breaks, or invite them to lunch or coffee. You can also participate in team-building events, social gatherings, or online forums. However, avoid being too pushy, clingy, or needy. Give them space, time, and freedom to choose.

Add your perspective

Namit Arora

Production Supervisor at Mondelēz International. Coordinating IL6S Implementation & Operational Excellence
Report contribution
Helping your colleagues/coworkers during the hour of need goes a long way in building relationships at work. Offering to help someone overwhelmed with work would gain their respect.

Like

4 Be honest and authentic

A fourth way to start building relationships with your coworkers is to be honest and authentic. You can do this by sharing your thoughts, feelings, or experiences. For example, you can tell them about your background, values, or aspirations. You can also admit your mistakes, apologize for your errors, or ask for feedback. However, avoid being too personal, emotional, or defensive. Maintain your professionalism, integrity, and humility.

Add your perspective

Pak Wong
Report contribution
Be honest and talk to your co-workers. If one struggles to build relationships with coworkers, it could be that one does not trust others. You need to be able to open yourself up, be vulnerable, and trust other people. At the same time, if the corporate culture is toxic and renders it difficult for one to build relationships, it may be better off to seek another work environment where building productive working relationships with co-workers is more feasible and achievable.

Like

5 Be flexible and adaptable

A fifth way to start building relationships with your coworkers is to be flexible and adaptable. You can do this by adjusting your communication style, expectations, or behavior. For example, you can use different channels, modes, or tones depending on the situation, audience, or purpose. You can also respect their opinions, perspectives, or preferences even if they differ from yours. You can also compromise, cooperate, or collaborate when there is a conflict, challenge, or opportunity.

Add your perspective

6 Be proactive and consistent

A sixth way to start building relationships with your coworkers is to be proactive and consistent. You can do this by following up, checking in, or staying in touch. For example, you can send a follow-up email, make a phone call, or schedule a meeting. You can also ask for updates, feedback, or suggestions. You can also show your commitment, reliability, or accountability. For example, you can deliver your work on time, meet your deadlines, or keep your promises.

Add your perspective

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?

Add your perspective

Richa Gupta

Freelance Trainer | LinkedIn Top Training and HR Voice | 17 years | Emotional Intelligence | Behavioral Skills| HR Leadership Trainer| Professional & Future Skills
Report contribution
Borrowing from David Rock's SCARF model, here are ways to build relationships with your team members. Status- make them feel valued and appreciated. Show them you care. Certainty- stick to agreed timelines; keep your commitments. Autonomy- give them choices and options where possible. Asking for their suggestions is a great way to do that. Relatedness- work on discovering common ground, spend time knowing them. Fairness- treat people fairly; be honest and transparent.

Like
Debashish Dhar

Deputy Manager | Stakeholder Relations, Training Plans, Customer Success
Report contribution
My thoughts are as follows Belive on collaboration over conflict rule. a. To be non judgemental or assume otherwise it would only create obstacles b. Communicate (listen more and more) to understand the real issue Try to understand other persons perspective as well as explain own also c. Be respectful and helpful even if there are differences d. Set boundaries with clear expectations if nothing helps E. Escalate to next level with proper points if it is impacting work, personal well being and overall atmosphere

Like

You’re struggling to build relationships with your coworkers. What’s the best way to start?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be curious and respectful

2 Be helpful and supportive

3 Be friendly and sociable

4 Be honest and authentic

5 Be flexible and adaptable

6 Be proactive and consistent

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Interpersonal Skills

More relevant reading

You’re struggling to build relationships with your coworkers. What’s the best way to start?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be curious and respectful

2 Be helpful and supportive

3 Be friendly and sociable

4 Be honest and authentic

5 Be flexible and adaptable

6 Be proactive and consistent

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills