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Building Brilliant Professional Relationships: The Key to Workplace Success
- Meg Steinschauer, MBA
- Jun 28, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 1
In a world full of distractions, demands, and deadlines, building meaningful relationships based on trust, empathy, and authenticity can feel challenging. Yet, strong professional connections can transform not only your career but also your overall job satisfaction and well-being.
If you want to excel in your role, whether as a leader, team player, or service provider, learning to communicate effectively and nurture workplace relationships is essential.
Pssst… Keep reading, and do not forget to download our free guide, packed with valuable insights and practical frameworks to help you master relationship-building in the workplace.
Did you know that employees with strong workplace relationships are 40% more likely to feel engaged and satisfied at work? In a fast-paced world filled with emails, deadlines, and virtual meetings, building authentic professional connections can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Yet, these relationships play a huge role in career success and overall well-being.
The Challenge of Building Lasting Relationships
We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, so it makes sense to build professional relationships that make us feel supported, valued, and motivated. Yet, many of us struggle with this.
Some common challenges include
✅ Time constraints – Busy schedules make it difficult to invest in relationships.
💡 Example: You rush from one meeting to the next, barely having time to chat with colleagues beyond project updates. Before you know it, weeks have passed without meaningful interactions.
✅ Workplace silos – Teams often operate in isolation, limiting cross-functional connections.
💡 Example: Marketing and Sales teams might have the same goals but rarely communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
✅ Miscommunication – Different communication styles can lead to misunderstandings.
💡 Example: A manager who prefers brief email updates might misinterpret a detailed response as unnecessary over-explaining.
The good news? You can build and maintain brilliant professional relationships with the right mindset and communication skills.
Now that we understand the common barriers, let's explore how to overcome them and build stronger, more meaningful connections at work.
The Foundations of Brilliant Relationships
We all know that communication is at the heart of any great relationship, but there is more to it than just talking. Building strong connections at work requires intention, effort, and a touch of emotional intelligence.
Here are six core principles to strengthen your professional relationships:
1️⃣ Communicate with Clarity and Purpose
Nobody enjoys receiving long-winded emails filled with jargon or listening to rambling explanations in meetings. Clarity and brevity help people absorb information faster and ensure that nothing gets lost in translation.
💡 If you have ever sat through a meeting wondering, "What was the point of that?" you know how frustrating unclear communication can be. Leaders and team members alike benefit from concise messaging that gets straight to the point.
Try this
When sending emails, state the key point in the first few sentences.
Avoid overcomplicating messages—keep them direct but professional.
If a conversation is taking too long over email, suggest a quick call instead.
2️⃣ Become an Active Listener
Have you ever been in a conversation where you could tell the other person was just waiting for their turn to speak? It does not feel great, does it? Active listening is one of the most underrated yet powerful skills for building trust and connection.
💡 Studies show that active listeners retain 40% more information than passive listeners. When you truly listen, you not only understand the message better but also strengthen relationships by making people feel heard.
Try this
When someone speaks, listen to understand, not just to reply.
Repeat or paraphrase key points to show engagement.
Maintain eye contact in in-person conversations (or look at the camera during virtual calls).
The more present and engaged you are, the more meaningful your interactions will be.
3️⃣ Give and Receive Feedback with an Open Mind
Feedback is a two-way street. Many people fear giving feedback because they worry about causing offence. Equally, receiving feedback can feel uncomfortable. But constructive feedback is essential for growth and improvement.
💡The best teams normalise feedback rather than fearing it. Instead of viewing it as criticism, approach feedback as a gift, a chance to grow and improve.
Try this
When giving feedback, focus on specific actions rather than personal traits.
When receiving feedback, ask clarifying questions rather than reacting defensively.
Use feedback as a learning opportunity rather than seeing it as criticism.
A workplace where people feel safe giving and receiving honest feedback is one where relationships can truly thrive.
4️⃣ Be Honest, Authentic, and Transparent
People respect honesty, even when the truth is difficult to hear. Authenticity fosters deeper connections, helping to build credibility and trust.
Try this
If you make a mistake, own up to it rather than making excuses.
Do not pretend to have all the answers—admit when you need help.
Be clear about your values and professional boundaries.
Honesty does not mean being blunt or harsh. It means speaking with integrity and empathy.
5️⃣ Build a Diverse Network of Professional Relationships
It is easy to stay in our comfort zones and build relationships only within our direct teams. But broadening your network can open up new opportunities and fresh perspectives.
Try this
Engage with people outside of your department or industry.
Find a mentor or become one for someone else.
Join networking events, both in-person and online.
The more diverse your network, the more insights and learning opportunities you will gain.
6️⃣ Celebrate Wins, Big and Small
Acknowledging achievements fosters a positive workplace culture and strengthens relationships. It shows appreciation and reminds people that their contributions matter.
Try this
Recognise colleagues' efforts with a simple "well done" or "thank you."
Celebrate small wins just as much as big milestones.
Create a habit of sharing success stories within your team.
Recognition does not have to be grand—sometimes, a small act of appreciation makes the biggest impact.
📥 Want more insights on building strong workplace relationships? Download our free guide below.
When Workplace Relationships Go Wrong
Even the best relationships can hit roadblocks. Whether it is a misunderstanding, a conflict, or an ongoing tension, how you handle difficult situations matters.
➡️ Lead with Empathy
It is easy to focus on tasks and forget that behind every email or meeting is a person with their own pressures and concerns. Taking a moment to listen and show understanding can make a huge difference in how relationships develop.
💡 If a colleague seems disengaged or frustrated, take a step back and consider what might be causing it. Could they be overwhelmed with work? Are there personal challenges affecting them? A simple check-in can help rebuild trust.
➡️ Set Healthy Boundaries
Many of us feel like we are always on call, but that does not mean sacrificing personal time and space. Setting clear expectations and respecting others' boundaries helps to create a healthy working environment.
💡 Boundaries are not just about saying no, they are about clarifying expectations. For instance, if a colleague frequently messages outside of work hours, politely reinforce your availability.
➡️ Seek Guidance When Needed
If a workplace relationship becomes difficult to manage, do not hesitate to seek advice. A mentor, HR professional, or trusted colleague can provide valuable perspective and help resolve conflicts before they escalate.
Can Workplace Relationships Be Repaired?
Even the strongest relationships can go through rough patches, but with effort and communication, they can often be restored. Here are some steps to rebuild trust and move forward.
➡️ Identify the Root of the Problem
Was it a misunderstanding? A difference in working styles? Or just a clash of opinions? Understanding the cause of the problem is the first step towards finding a solution.
➡️ Acknowledge Different Perspectives
You do not have to agree with someone to recognise their point of view. Listening with an open mind and showing respect for the other person's feelings can help to rebuild trust.
➡️ Find a Solution Together
Once the issue has been identified, work together to address it. This might involve setting new boundaries, adjusting communication styles, or agreeing on a compromise.
➡️ Communicate Openly and Honestly
Honest conversations are essential to repairing relationships. Express concerns clearly, be willing to listen, and aim for a solution that benefits both sides.
Even difficult relationships can improve when both parties commit to open and honest communication.
Brilliant Communication in a Digital Workplace
With remote work becoming more common, building relationships online can sometimes feel like trying to connect with colleagues through a foggy window. The lack of in-person interaction can make it harder to read body language, pick up on subtle cues, or share casual conversations that often strengthen workplace bonds.
However, even in a digital world, good communication remains the foundation of strong professional relationships. Clear, consistent communication and intentional efforts to connect, whether through virtual meetings, team chats, or shared projects, can help bridge the gap and foster meaningful connections in remote environments.
➡️ Keep Communication Regular
Think of communication like looking after a plant. If you neglect it, it starts to wither and lose its vitality. Regular check-ins are like watering that plant, they help to keep relationships strong, build trust, and ensure everyone stays aligned. Whether it’s a quick weekly meeting, a daily update, or even a casual chat, consistent communication fosters collaboration and keeps projects moving in the right direction.
➡️Prioritise Face-to-Face Interaction
Emails and messages are useful for quick updates, but video calls provide a much richer way of communicating. They allow for better engagement by enabling you to see facial expressions, hand gestures, and hear tone of voice, which are all critical for understanding intent and emotions. This helps to prevent misunderstandings, resolve issues more effectively, and build stronger, more meaningful connections, whether you're collaborating with a team or checking in with a client.
➡️ Clarify Expectations
Miscommunication often happens when assumptions are made, leading to unnecessary mistakes or delays. Setting clear expectations from the start ensures that everyone knows their role, responsibilities, and what is required to achieve success. This includes outlining specific goals, deadlines, and deliverables for each team member. Taking the time to clarify these details upfront helps avoid last-minute confusion and keeps everyone on the same page throughout the process.
Remote working has changed the way we interact, but strong relationships can still be built virtually.
The Key to Strong Professional Relationships
The secret to building brilliant relationships lies in communication rooted in trust, empathy, and authenticity. These qualities lay the foundation for meaningful connections that not only enhance productivity but also create a more enjoyable and positive work environment. When team members feel heard, respected, and understood, collaboration becomes more seamless, and challenges become easier to overcome.
That said, relationships at work can sometimes feel as frustrating as trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without instructions, confusing, messy, and occasionally overwhelming. Misunderstandings, differing personalities, and unclear expectations can all create obstacles. However, with patience, active listening, and a consistent effort to address issues openly, even the most tangled situations can be unravelled, turning potential conflict into opportunities for growth and stronger bonds.
So how can we go from basic workplace interactions to meaningful professional relationships?
Polish your communication skills so that they become second nature
Prioritise openness and honesty in all conversations
Approach difficulties with empathy and understanding
Maintain relationships through consistent and thoughtful interactions
The result? Strong professional connections that make work more rewarding and enjoyable.
Remember, building strong professional relationships is not about being perfect—it is about being intentional. Small, daily actions create lasting connections that can transform not just your career, but your overall work experience.
Catch you online,
Meg ✌️
P.S.
Building strong workplace relationships is not about grand gestures. It is about consistent, small actions that create trust and collaboration over time. Whether it is a quick check-in, a thoughtful message, or simply listening with intent, every effort makes a difference.
💡 Take a moment to vote in the poll. Which challenge do you find the most difficult when it comes to workplace relationships?
👉 What is the biggest challenge in building strong workplace relationships?
1️⃣ Lack of time to invest in connections
2️⃣ Miscommunication or different working styles
3️⃣ Workplace silos and team disconnect
4️⃣ Receiving or giving honest feedback
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