Build Rapport with your Employees!

Rapport is defined as "a relationship, especially one characterized by understanding, emotional affinity, or mutual trust." As a leader, your role is to create an atmosphere of confidence in your employees' abilities, fairness and consistency with all team members and high expectations based on established goals. Developing relationships built on each individual's personal needs and career aspirations is the key to establishing an environment of trust and understanding. And the leader who figures out how to build this setting is the manager whose workplace will thrive and succeed in the areas of employee retention and achievement of key metrics.

When it comes to personalities, no one clicks with everybody else. Yet, as a leader of a group of people, all looking to you for guidance and support, you must take it upon yourself to build rapport with your employees. To work effectively and enjoyably, you may need some tips to develop a working relationship that is full of trust, confidence and a feeling of connection.

First, you need to understand your own personality and how you react to others. Then, think about each of your employees individually - not as a group, but as people unto themselves. What does Suzy want from her career? When is John most productive? What motivates Betty? Jot down some information about each of your employees as you begin the process of establishing rapport.

Of course, the only way you will know the answers to the above questions is to take the time to learn more about each individual. You should schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members to discuss their goals, their progress and their motivations. Let them get to know you during these meetings, as well. Chances are pretty good they are trying to learn how to develop rapport with you at the same time.

When talking with your employees, make sure you clarify anything that does not seem to be understood. Any confusion or lack of direction they may feel will lead to a decrease in the connection they feel with you. Being on the same page will insure a consistent way of going about business and will increase the effectiveness of communication with your employees.

As with any relationship in your life - personal or work-related - making it positive and keeping it strong requires time and willingness. And while relationships are two-way streets, as a leader it is expected that you will take the first step. You need to first understand your employees before you can ever expect them to understand you.

Kevin Hogan, author of many books focused on sales, says "Building rapport begins with you. The entire process of building rapport is built on the foundation of concern, caring, compassion, interest, and a desire for the well-being of your customer." I would add."and employee". The only true way to understand your employees and what makes them tick is to take the time to develop a trusting, meaningful relationship with them. It will make you an inspirational leader and mentor to your team members, and will allow you to create an atmosphere of organizational success!
                                                                         Sincerely,
 

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