21 ways to improve your relationships

(With Allies, Independents, and Adversaries)

Business is the art of connecting with other people to achieve goals. But given the competitive nature of business and the stress in our jobs, maintaining healthy and productive relationships can be challenging.

The reality is that 100% of the value we contribute in our jobs is dependent on connecting our ideas, opinions, and work product to others. Taking this to heart is the first step to building more successful relationships.

1. Acknowledge that better relationships start with a better version of you

2. Be self-aware – it’s the best way to control your words and actions

3. Acknowledge that one-sided relationships have a short lifespan

4. Be interesting – others will enjoy your company

5. Be interested – it shows others you care

6. Compliment others – it’s a sign you value their contributions

7. Cast teammates as the heroes of the stories you tell - rather than yourself

8. Spread optimism – it’s contagious

9. Make expressing gratitude “your thing”

10. Get to know others personally, not just professionally

11. Practice the golden rule – do to others as you wish for yourself

12. Find common ground

13. Cut the victory cake so everyone gets a piece

14. Give others the benefit-of-the-doubt

15. Don’t let singular disagreements torpedo overall relationships

16. De-escalate conflicts

17. Disagree, agreeably – it builds mutual respect and trust

18. Dilute a negative conversation with something positive

19. Don’t play “small ball,” it’s a relationship killer

20. Forgive - and move on

21. Remember, relationships take effort - but they’re worth it!