In the workplace, professional relationships can be a key factor for success. However, for most people, it’s difficult to create strong, authentic bonds in the business environment. After all, there are so many different personalities! Not to mention, it’s hard to know what’s appropriate. Superiors, subordinates, co-workers, and clients all seem to have different “rules” for interaction. There’s a great deal of confusion out there. I see professionals who treat everyone they work with like friends, sharing way too much personal information. I see other people hiding who they really are and keeping everyone at a distance. Also I see far too many professionals who experience conflict on a daily basis and don’t know how it happens, how to resolve it, or how to prevent it. In short, I see a lot of painful professional relationships out there. How do you know if you’re suffering with poor professional relationships? Here are a few common signs:
- Lack of trust
- Lack of respect
- Inappropriate distance (too personal or too detached)
- Conflict (arguing, bickering, disagreements, etc.)
- Miscommunication
- Lack of productivity
- Lack of teamwork
- Irritation or frustration
- Improved productivity
- Improved teamwork
- New opportunities
- Promotions, raises, rewards, and so on
- A greater sense of comfort, confidence, and fulfillment
- More fun!
