The old adage ‘Don’t burn your bridges’ is advice that you should always strive to follow, both professionally and on a personal level. However this advice makes the assumption that you have bridges built to burn!

There are two main areas where professional relationships are key, internally, with fellow employees or staff, and externally, with potential and existing clients.

Although most of the advice here will be common sense it all helps you to build and maintain good working relationships. In this blog I will be speaking about relationship building with the people within your workforce…

Within the work environment it is essential that you try to always lead by example. Don’t tell people how important an impending deadline is whilst leaving the office for the day. If there is a particular task which people at work dread or try to avoid, do it, and do it without fuss or being prompted. You shouldn’t ask anybody to do something you are not willing to do yourself.

Listen to your staff and co-workers. If you develop an empathic approach and make an effort to understand them, they are more likely to be understanding of others. Try and learn at least three things about each person you work with, this gives you the foundations for building rapport and a relationship.

Remember to show your appreciation for the achievements of others. Show genuine interest and congratulate team members on their goals, and if there is an opportunity, ask them for advice on how they achieved said goal. By requesting their advice you are acknowledging their ability and the value of their work.

Lastly, avoid gossiping. This advice should be followed in and out of the work place. Do not be drawn in to these conversations and try to discourage them wherever possible. This only leads to mistrust and tension. On a personal note, there is nothing to gain, and much to lose by gossip. If there is a real issue with somebody you work with you should speak to the individual directly.

By following these guidelines, and always being open and approachable you will develop trust. With this your relationships will build and maintain themselves, and if you continue to treat people the way you would like to be treated yourself, you will soon be seen as dependable, approachable and professional.

I'll be developing this theme further in next fortnight's blog - set your calendar reminder to tune in on June 5th.