3 tips for building positive working relationships

No matter your role in business, the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships will be an essential component to your success. These relationships may be internal with colleagues or external with clients or potential business partners. Either way, those who can connect on a professional level and work productively together will be more likely to achieve greater results. If you’re wondering how you can build more productive and positive working relationships, consider the below tips.

1. Make an effort to remember names

While remembering a name is a simple action, many of us struggle to do so. When you first meet someone, it is important to repeat their name once they have been introduced. This will assist in you remembering their name moving forward, and keep it top of mind. There is nothing worse than admitting that you have forgotten the name of your new contact – it looks unprofessional and at times, rude. Remembering and using a person’s name helps you come across as professional and interested in what the person does rather than someone who does not care.

2. Note something unique about the person

If someone is comfortable with you, it is likely that they will share some brief information on their family or personal interests. If you are looking to build both lasting and positive working relationships, try to note one or two of these things down if you feel that you cannot remember them. A simple question or comment about their interest such as ‘How was golf on the weekend, John?’, knowing that John enjoys golf, can greatly assist in forming a personalised, professional relationship. It is comments like this that show the contact you genuinely take an interest and are a pleasant person to network with.

3. Go above and beyond

In today’s fast-paced business world, we are often too busy with our own projects to lend a hand or put additional efforts into tasks. If it is internal relationships you’re looking to build, try to offer to help colleagues when they need assistance, or show that you’re committed to the team rather than just your own personal gain. When it comes to external contacts or clients, showing that you’re willing to put in more effort than required will make them feel valued. This can assist significantly in building positive working relationships as it is a personalised approach which demonstrates your character. If time is not on your side, show you can go above and beyond in other ways which are unique to your role or organisation.

What do you think?

Do you have any additional tips to add to the list? Positive working relationships are an integral part of business, so I’d love to hear how you build and maintain them. Comment your views below and join the AIB conversation.

This article was written by Laura Hutton on behalf of the Australian Institute of Business. All opinions are that of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AIB.