Building Work Relationships with One Simple Question

Opening dialogue is easier than you think

Photo by Resume Genius on Unsplash

Professional relationships are built around a common purpose: productivity. The result, whether sales, building a product, B2B services, doesn’t matter.

The team exists to produce something. But the team is built on basic human relationships.

Throw in the varied personalities, experiences, cultures, biases, beliefs, and work ethics and now you see where mid-level management is a challenge.

How the leader, you, of the team, navigates all of these nuances sets the tone and path for the team. A great example of the fine art of fostering relationships is Abraham Lincoln. An unexpected presidential candidate who pulled his opponents together to create a formidable cabinet.

So of course you naturally feel compelled to foster genuine relationships (at least if you are somewhat of an actual human).

But remember, no one really cares about you. Most folks are too wrapped up in their own daily grind. So how do you break through without appearing fake?

Ask the basic, simple question “How are you doing?”

This may sound obvious and way too simple. But there’s a trick: mean it.