Growing and Maintaining Strong Personal Relationships at Work

At Flight Centre Business Travel (FCBT), we’re all about building strong relationships with our clients and colleagues. That’s just who we are, and it’s what we value. Coffee and a catch up anyone?

We also like to think that our focus on relationships sets us apart in the industry, and it attracts like-minded people to our organisation. So, it should come as no surprise then that we’re thinking a lot about relationships right now, with Mental Health Week currently being observed throughout the country.

Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness of individual and community health, which is why we thought it would be helpful to take a look at what makes for strong relationships at work. This is crucial for both individual well-being and organisational success. Positive relationships can enhance collaboration, foster a supportive environment, and increase job satisfaction. Here’s what we think are a few key strategies to grow and maintain these connections.

Open, honest, and clear communication is the foundation of any strong relationship. Regularly engage in both formal and informal conversations with colleagues, offering feedback and seeking input. Active listening is crucial—be present in conversations and show genuine interest in others' thoughts and feelings.

Trust is the cornerstone of strong relationships. Demonstrate reliability by keeping commitments, respecting confidentiality, and being accountable for your actions. Consistency in behaviour fosters trust, helping to create an environment where people feel safe sharing ideas and concerns.

Empathy allows you to understand and appreciate your coworkers' perspectives. Respect differences in opinion, background and approach, and show kindness even in difficult situations. A workplace culture of respect encourages mutual understanding and cooperation, which strengthens relationships.

Encourage and support the growth of your colleagues, both personally and professionally. Offer help when needed and celebrate their successes. Providing mentorship or guidance can build deep, lasting relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.

Disagreements are inevitable, but how you handle them matters. Approach conflicts calmly and focus on resolving issues rather than assigning blame. Effective conflict resolution can strengthen relationships by demonstrating maturity and a commitment to collaboration.

Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Try to connect with people across various teams or departments. By fostering inclusivity, you not only build a wider network of personal relationships but also contribute to a more positive and cohesive workplace culture.

Ready to start growing and maintaining strong work relationships?