Good competent managers should be able to build networks both internally and externally within a business. A good performing and functioning team is important to boosting staff morale, performance and completion of work. It is important that the manager motivates all stakeholders not just their direct staff. Also that they support group and team working and are committed to fairness, inclusion and diversity.
The Steps
Important steps in building good relationships are:
- Taking an assessment of the other person and your place
- Listen to the other person, understand them
- Find a common ground or common theme that works for both individuals.
If managers have effective relationships, it helps the business to spread knowledge, skills and the ability to share information. Importantly, for staff and managers to ask for help. If relationships are good; gaining advice from a mentor, business colleague or associate is a great method to individuals and businesses developing and becoming more productive. As the saying goes ‘work smarter not harder’. Having good relationships makes that a possibility.
Your role
As a manager building a great working relationship, it is important to recognise your role within the organisation. How your relationship with the other person could work.
In the construction industry, I experienced first-hand the very best example of relationship building from one of my new team managers. While I have been fortunate to work with many great teams and managers this particular individual really sticks out as a role model to effective relationship building. From day one she really understood the need to build her network and worked very hard at the three steps mentioned above. She garnered huge support and networks internally and externally. As a result delivered great results and had a very positive impact in the business during my time as her line manager. Managers must be able to influence others up and down the organisational hierarchy, her relationship building was a brilliant example of this.
Listening
An important management skill is listening. This is also important in relationship building and maintenance. To influence others, it is vital to understand them. Be able to successfully manage challenging situations where there maybe conflict. If you can try to see where the other person is coming from, understand them it will help you to find joint ground. Having empathy and an interest in other people helps to build relationships.
Conduct
A code of conduct, either from a professional membership body or your own values and beliefs are important. How you treat other people and wish to be treated, are useful underpinning factors in how you successfully manage your team, stakeholders and relationships.