Creating an understanding or rapport with the other is crucial to the success of any endeavor, because we all exist together in an interconnected web of life. When individuals feel more comfortable and affable around each other, they are more likely to pool their individual strengths to achieve the collective objectives. In fact, research indicates that 70 % of workplace learning is informal, meaning that when people are talking to each other at work, they are actually learning to do their jobs better. Friendlier workers are more effective communicators, more productive and trusted more by employers and co-workers. Companies that foster a civil, respectful work environment have fewer labor problems and better customer relations. However, our different backgrounds, opinions, values and prejudices often get in the way of building strong interpersonal relationships. So how do we bridge this gap?
Here are 8 ways to build better rapport with your team.
- Smile your way in – A warm genuine smile is often the easiest way to establish rapport. It instantly conveys affability and understanding and lowers defenses on both sides. In short, they can’t help but smile back. In fact, even research indicates that when you smile, you’re viewed as attractive, reliable, relaxed and sincere. In addition, a study published in the journal Neuropsychologia reported that seeing an attractive, smiling face, activates the region in your brain that processes sensory rewards. This suggests that when you see a person smiling, you actually feel rewarded.
- Repeat their name – Everyone likes the sound of their name. It is the sweetest sound in the world. Hence, make it a point to use the name of the person you are conversing with, but use your discernment to avoid overdoing it or pronouncing their name incorrectly, or you might end up doing more harm than good.
- Pay attention – When somebody pays attention to you, you feel valued and accepted by them, so pay complete attention to the person you are conversing with. Also be alert to both verbal and non-verbal cues in the conversation. Often we are so busy noting the words, that we miss the tone or body language in a conversation. Over 80% of our intent is communicated in body language rather than words. Therefore use all your five senses to glean insights and information. Ask open-ended questions whenever you feel unsure or uncertain about the response of others and encourage them to express themselves fully and freely. This will not only make the other feel valued, but also unearth important insights and information.
- Compliment often – According to Dale Carnegie, we all inherently seek appreciation and approval. In fact, all our attempts at engaging with others are chiefly guided towards being liked and respected by them. Irrespective of our apparent differences, there is always something which can be admired or appreciated in others. So pay attention to all such instances and ensure that you celebrate them sincerely and unabashedly.
- Use sandwich technique to give critical or unfavorable feedback – Whenever you feel the need to criticize or bring to light something you are not comfortable with, use the sandwich technique. First compliment something you admire about the act or person, then explain the part that’s bothering you with relevant facts, and finally end with a possible solution or alternative suggestion to the problem. In this way you do not attack the person or arouse their defensive stance, but rather define the problem and encourage resolution.
- Find a common ground – People like people who appear similar to them, so try to find a common ground or interest. This can range from sport to a hobby or music, or even similar backgrounds. Someone might say that they have nothing in common with others, but this is more a reflection of lack of intent or interest than a lack of commonality. So look deeper and you will definitely unearth common ground and then use that to trigger a deeper conversation or sharing of thoughts.
- Empathize – Putting yourself in somebody else’s shoes is the easiest way to understand the other person’s priorities as well as their context of how they see the world. This greater understanding can help you to not only find it easier to build a greater rapport, but also allows you to frame the best possible response for that particular situation.
- Be authentic – When your actions are authentic and consistent with your values and principles, you inspire trust and admiration in others, even if they do not agree with your set of beliefs. Trust is the fundamental building block of rapport building and plays a key role in establishing a long-term healthy relationship.