A business is only successful so long as it maintains strong internal operations. When members of a team don’t work well together, these operations tend to fall apart quite quickly, spelling serious trouble for the company as a whole. Strong business relationships begin at the top of the corporate chain. As employees often take the lead from their direct supervisor, it’s up to members of upper management to facilitate strong relationships throughout the company. These tips for building a strong relationship with your employees will help you establish stronger personal and professional bonds throughout the company as a whole.
Create an open line of communication
Communication is crucial to any business’s success. When employees don’t communicate with one another or—worse still—don’t communicate with their managers, tasks and projects are more likely to fall through the cracks. Additionally, poor communication can cause employees to feel undervalued in their role, while can lead to a higher turnover rate within the company. Maintaining an open line of communication between employees and managers adds a level of transparency to business operations and ensures that everyone is on the same page at all times. This line of communication does not need to be strictly professional. On the contrary, engaging in friendly conversation about personal hobbies and preferences is actually a great way to build a bond with employees. It will help your team members feel more comfortable approaching you with issues and concerns, both personal or work-related.
Inspire greatness
Everyone likes to feel that they’re appreciated and supported by their supervisor. As such, one of the best tips for building a strong relationship with your employees is to inspire greatness and reward achievements as often as possible. There are many different ways to
inspire your employees to greater heights, some of which will work better for certain employees over others. Start by having an honest conversation with your employees about their motivation and their future goals. Work with them to create a realistic action plan for attaining these goals and be sure to regularly check in on their progress. Doing this will show your employees that you believe wholeheartedly in their dreams and their abilities. Not only will this foster a strong bond between the two of you, but it may also inspire them to work harder at their job in pursuit of their higher goals. Acknowledge any progress made toward their goals as well, as this will further motivate them and show them that you care about their personal successes.
Practice empathy
Empathy is one of the most important qualities that a leader can possess. Showing your employees that you care for them not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level, is therefore the best way to build a strong and lasting relationship. Inquire about their interests and engage in friendly conversation about their passions and families. Bear in mind that your employees are only human and try to be understanding when issues arise in their work or they experience personal issues that may impact their performance. Lend your employees a helping hand when needed and listen to their concerns with a caring heart. In instances of distress, operate as a friend first and a manager second. Go through your day with empathy, kindness, and understanding, and treat your employees as you’d like to be treated in return; this is the best way to build a strong relationship between your team.
