Establishing Positive Relationships at Work

Developing positive relationships is one of the biggest challenges professionals face when starting a new role or moving into a new work environment. When you are new, you don’t know what norms have been established, who will be helpful (or who won’t), and you’ll likely find yourself wondering when to share information and perspectives, when to keep your mouth shut, and how to evaluate potential relationships.

Since many new faculty and staff are beginning to test the potentially treacherous waters as “new fish” in the ponds of academia, the timing seemed right to get some tips and perspectives on how to establish positive working relationships and keep from being eaten alive.

Andy Curran, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Clermont College, encourages new staff to make themselves available, ask for advice from senior employees, and avoid being confrontational. He credits his ability to get along with others for his success in getting promotions and tenure during his 11 year career.

Getting information and perspectives from new colleagues may require some trial and error, so Joe O’Connell, Coordinator of New Student Programs at Arizona State University tries to tailor his conversations with people to their likes and dislikes. “For example,” O’ Connell explains, “if someone likes short, direct e-mails, then send them short, direct e-mails. They will be more receptive to your communications.”

Marlene Caroselli, a corporate trainer, keynoter, and author of 61 books, teaches a course on developing relationships at work. She advises new staff to  “invite collaborative, cooperative dialogue. “This may be difficult,” she says, ” But it almost always works. Invite the person who is overly critical of your plan to join you in making it better. It’s natural to be defensive, but we’re asking you to put defenses and fences aside. Instead, form a partnership with your biggest critic and work together to strengthen your plan.”

Dr. Laurel Clark, President of the College of MetaPhysics, tells people to be “self-reflective” in their approaches to conflict. “Instead of blaming a co-worker for a conflict, look to see the part that you play in it and how YOU can cause change,” implores Clark. “If only one person changes, (and that person can always be YOU), then the dynamics of the relationship change even if the other person doesn’t.”

Please join us and call in with your tips, questions and comments at 11 am ET this Friday, August 26, tweet them to @hiedcareercoach or e-mail sean@higheredcareercoach.com The call-in number is (347) 989-0055. I’ll be tweeting additional quotes and advice from our guests on Friday as well.