Why not do something about it this week?

Let’s come up with some time effective things that you can do to improve the rapport with someone you work with.  It could be your boss; it could be one team member who’s not really on board, or it could be a client or co-worker.  It’s up to you.

Have you got a person in mind?  Good.

First step is to think about what sort of work and communication style that person has. 

·           Are they a fast talker – get straight to the point?  Do they like to be in control? 

·           Are they someone who’s very talkative and energetic and enthusiastic? 

·           Or are they someone who is very steady, very careful and very conscientious, a good team player and a good listener.

·           Or, the fourth work style, which is someone who’s very careful, asks lots of questions, attention to detail, a good thinker.

 

What points of their work style are different to yours?  Because sometimes it’s the difference in these work and communication styles that can cause a bit of friction or conflict in the workplace.

Do you know what that person’s strengths and weaknesses are?  What are the things they are good at at work and what are the things they are not so good at?

Chances are it’s the things they are not so good at are the things that might be frustrating you.  Perhaps because you’re good at those particular skills.  This means you could have a good complementary work relationship, but it might be a bit frustrating for both of you at times.  Particularly, if it’s one of their blind spots – things you can see they’re not so good at, but maybe they’re not aware of.  

 

Finally, the last thing to think about is what are that other person’s priorities? And even what are the things that worry them about work that might keep them awake at night?

If you are aware of these you might be able to start gaining some understanding or perspective of what they have on their plate.

Now, this might sound like a lot of work for you to take on, but the good news is if you take some of these steps in that direction and build rapport most cases you find that other person reciprocates and your work relationship improves very quickly.

So why not give it a try and let me know how you get on.