Building Relationships Helps to Bridge Gaps

written on November 16, 2009 by Tameka Taylor

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As professionals, building relationships are important to do with individuals who are different from yourself since it helps to bridge the gaps between you and others.  Sometimes people are so busy doing the tasks at hand and doing the items on their things to do list that they do not take the time to build relationships with those that they work with on a regular basis.

People are complex.  Do you really know your co-workers and their story?  Part of building relationships means asking questions about your co-workers life outside of work, when appropriate.  Talk to your co-workers about non-work related topics to build relationships, but not to be nosy.  People know when you are being sincere.  Doing this is not limited to your co-workers but is also appropriate with your clients as well.

In closing I want to present you with a challenge.  Go to lunch this week with someone from a different background than you.  And do this once a week from now on with a different person each week.  This is not an easy thing to do because it takes you out of your comfort zone; however, once you try it, trust me you will find it rewarding.  It's easy to continue to do the same thing, but you won't get different results.  Relationships are built successfully during those informal moments and times.  There is nothing like "breaking bread" with someone, because this is when many walls and barriers are knocked down.  Are you up to the challenge?  If so, write me back to share with me your story or experience.