Why is it important to have relationships with the people you work with? With the business environment in constant flux as a result of economic and technology changes as well as clients’ changing needs, healthy professional relationships provide the backbone that helps organisations not to get bent out of shape in challenging times.

At the start of a professional relationship it is important to create common ground. This means we need to understand and agree on the purpose of the relationship as this could help to minimise misunderstandings.

The following pointers can help to build this common understanding:

• Define the role of each person in the relationship. You can use the RASCI method to structure such a conversation.
• Detail each person’s responsibilities and what role each one can play to assist the other in his/her role.
• Gain an understanding of what the other person requires of you to help him/her achieve success
• Find out if there anything in terms of the way that you and the other person prefer to work that will be useful for each other to know.
• Determine any potential obstacles in the relationship that requires discussion.
• Discuss how differences or conflict between you should be dealt with.
• Decide on how often to check whether all is still well.

Working through these points will help to clarify your intent as well as the other person’s intent with the relationship.

Let’s say we define intent as “the state of one's mind at the time one carries out an action”. As it is not always clear to another person what is on your mind, this clarity can help to frame future actions and minimise possible misunderstandings.

Building your professional credibility and trust in relationships is something that takes time. Every interaction is an opportunity to enhance this relationship. Here are some guidelines that can help to build this relationship: 

• Be consistent in your behaviour.
• Do what you have committed yourself to and when you promised to do it.
• In cases where this is not possible, communicate it well in advance and give a reason.
• When dealing with conflict, address the issue and not the person.
• Own the responsibility when you have made a mistake. Nothing is as powerful as a genuine apology.
• Forgive the other person if he or she has made a mistake.
• When in doubt, rather check with the person. Too much communication is always better that too little communication.
• Celebrate successes together.
  

Lastly, the great Henry Ford said: "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."

 
Monene Murray offers executive and business coaching. She uses her business experience in large corporates and start-up businesses to develop her clients’ full potential. Contact Monene at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .