by I wrote last week about my experience getting laid off from Accenture after 22 years and the incredible support I received from friends and colleagues–which made all the difference in helping me forward. I thought it would be helpful to share some tips about building a network of authentic relationships. What does that mean? It means building them for their own sake, not for your benefit. (aka making friends)
Nothing has taken a hit in the work-from-home pandemic like fostering personal relationships at work. Lucky for you, I’m an introvert living my best remote life who also places a high value on personal connections at work. It’s these relationships that inspire me to do my best work. So, for me…they’re essential to my success.
When the pandemic and stay-at-home orders came down in March of 2020, I’d already been working from home for 15 years–with intermittent trips to the office for some in-person interaction. With the possibility of in-person meetings gone, I set intentions for continuing to build relationships virtually. I mean, I’d been doing it for a long time and consider myself an expert on the subject. Here are a few tips to help you build new or foster existing relationships at work:
Snub Pavlov
We all know this person (or persons). You got a ping from them. “Hi.” And you know they want something. But you go through the motions of the conversation and reply back to which they–no surprise–tell you what they want from you. Now, there is nothing wrong with this. We’re at work. But I decided a long time ago, when someone sees a ping from me, they don’t automatically have a Pavlovian response (Ugh. What does he want now?). So, sometimes–many times, in fact–I will ping someone to say hello or good morning and ask about their day, evening or weekend plans. That’s it. Of course, there are times when I still need something. But not EVERY SINGLE TIME I ping them. Give it try. Confuse everyone!
Fewer Rules than Fight Club
During the first year of the pandemic, I began having monthly gab sessions with my direct reports. One of the teams was the Collaboration Apps team. So, I’d host a “Collab Gab” once a month with them. I also hosted virtual Happy Hours for the larger projects teams I worked on. There were only 2 rules: 1) Camera on and 2) no work talk. People–especially then–were hungry for human connection. As for my teams, they were global so I’d never get the chance to meet them in person. This was my only way of getting to know them. And I loved every second of it. I’m grateful to still have many of them in my life! In fact, some of my closest friendships began at work.
Just Add Passion
Find a volunteer activity–even a virtual one–that leverages your personal passions. When I became known for my blogging, one I wrote about recognition caught the eye of a colleague who brought it to the attention of the person who led a recognition effort. He asked me to the join the team, and eventually I led it. I’m still very good friends with both of these colleagues. And my passion for recognition has followed me to my role.
Get Brand-y with It!
Develop your personal brand to grow your network. This video will help you get started.
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