How do you use relationship building to lead high-performing teams?

1 Assess your current relationships

The first step is to assess your current relationships with your team members and other relevant parties. You can use a simple tool like the Relationship Building Skills Assessment (RBSA) to evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement. The RBSA measures four dimensions of relationship building: communication, empathy, influence, and conflict management. By taking the RBSA, you can identify your gaps and set goals for enhancing your relationship building skills.

2 Communicate effectively and frequently

The second step is to communicate effectively and frequently with your team members and other stakeholders. Communication is the foundation of any relationship, and it involves both listening and speaking. You should communicate your vision, expectations, feedback, and recognition clearly and consistently. You should also listen actively and attentively to your team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback. You should use different channels and formats of communication, such as face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, chats, and reports, depending on the situation and the preference of your audience.

3 Show empathy and appreciation

The third step is to show empathy and appreciation to your team members and other parties. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others. Appreciation is the expression of gratitude and recognition for others' contributions and achievements. You should show empathy and appreciation by acknowledging the challenges, emotions, and needs of your team members and other stakeholders. You should also celebrate their successes and provide them with support and encouragement. You should use both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as words, gestures, tone, and body language, to convey empathy and appreciation.

4 Influence and persuade others

The fourth step is to influence and persuade others to achieve your team's goals and objectives. Influence is the ability to affect the behavior, opinions, or actions of others in a positive way. Persuasion is the use of logic, evidence, and emotions to convince others to adopt your point of view or agree with your proposal. You should influence and persuade others by building rapport, credibility, and trust with them. You should also use techniques such as storytelling, framing, and reciprocity to appeal to their interests, values, and emotions.

5 Manage and resolve conflicts

The fifth step is to manage and resolve conflicts that may arise within or outside your team. Conflict is inevitable in any team, and it can be constructive or destructive depending on how you handle it. You should manage and resolve conflicts by adopting a collaborative and constructive approach. You should avoid blaming, criticizing, or avoiding the conflict. You should also identify the root causes, interests, and needs of the parties involved. You should then use strategies such as negotiation, mediation, or compromise to reach a mutually beneficial solution.

6 Maintain and nurture relationships

The sixth and final step is to maintain and nurture your relationships with your team members and other stakeholders. Maintaining and nurturing relationships involves keeping in touch, following up, and providing ongoing value and support to your partners. You should maintain and nurture your relationships by staying connected, responsive, and reliable. You should also seek feedback, learn from mistakes, and adapt to changes. You should also look for opportunities to grow, develop, and collaborate with your partners.

By following these six steps, you can use relationship building to lead high-performing teams that deliver high-quality results, foster innovation, and enhance customer satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?