In establishing and fostering a relationship with stakeholders in an organisation – be it home, family, charity, religious, etc; it is important to focus on the stakeholder. The questions that build rapport should be encouraged. I find out that the best times for building such rapports are after a weekend. You meet the person on the corridor, lift, boardroom, etc, you can simply strike a conversation and ask how their weekend went, what they did, and take a genuine interest in it. If they went to watch a footie game, ask about their favourite player and great moment in the game. These little convos can open the way for bigger relationships and professional collaboration
~ Uwem Umana
In the intricate web of professional relationships within any organisation, whether it be a corporate entity, a family-run business, a charity, or a religious institution, the cornerstone of fostering effective and lasting connections lies in focusing on the stakeholder. The essence of building rapport, a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of professional interactions, is crucial in establishing trust, understanding, and, ultimately, successful collaboration. It is through the seemingly mundane exchanges, particularly those following a weekend, that the foundation for these relationships is often laid.
The significance of personal engagement cannot be overstated. In the hustle and bustle of organisational life, it is the personal touch that often paves the way for deeper connections. Imagine a scenario where, upon returning to work after a weekend, you encounter a colleague in the lift or across the corridor. This moment presents an invaluable opportunity to strike up a conversation that goes beyond the confines of work-related discussions. Inquiring about their weekend, showing interest in their activities, and engaging in a dialogue about personal interests such as a football match they attended, not only breaks the ice but also demonstrates a genuine interest in them as individuals.
Such interactions, though brief, are potent in building rapport. Asking about someone’s weekend and delving a bit deeper into their experiences, such as their thoughts on a football game, their favourite player, or a memorable moment from the match, does more than just fill a conversational void. It signals to the other person that you see them as more than just a cog in the organisational machine; you recognise and value them as a person with interests, passions, and a life outside of work. This level of personal engagement is instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and connection within the organisation.
Moreover, these “little convos,” as they might be colloquially termed, serve as a gateway to larger discussions and collaborations. By establishing a rapport based on mutual interests and respect, you lay the groundwork for a relationship that can withstand the challenges of professional collaboration. It is much easier to approach someone for assistance, propose a new idea, or work together on a project when there is an underlying layer of personal connection. The trust and goodwill built through personal engagement facilitate smoother communication, a willingness to cooperate, and an openness to new ideas.
It is also worth noting that the timing of such interactions, often after a weekend, is particularly effective. The weekend, a time away from the pressures of work, provides a fresh reservoir of experiences and stories to share. People are generally more relaxed and open to conversation, making it an ideal time to foster personal connections. The casual setting of a corridor chat or a brief exchange in the lift provides a non-threatening environment for such interactions, away from the formalities and pressures of structured meetings or the boardroom.
In conclusion, the art of building rapport with stakeholders within any organisation is a nuanced process that requires genuine interest, attentiveness, and the seizing of opportune moments for engagement. The simple act of asking about someone’s weekend and showing genuine interest in their response can be a powerful tool in establishing and nurturing professional relationships. These interactions, though seemingly small, are the building blocks of a collaborative and cohesive organisational culture. By prioritising personal engagement and fostering connections based on mutual interests and respect, we pave the way for not only professional collaboration but also a more supportive and connected organisational environment.
Written by : eymadmin
