4 Keys to Building Rapport

As leaders, we are all looking for ways to improve our team. We want them to be happy and successful with their teams and carry that same enthusiasm as they move up the chain. Building rapport is a very important skill our leaders need to constantly work on. Here are 4 ways you can build the rapport from top down, bottom to the top, and side to side.

Example- This trait carries it’s weight in every facet of leadership. As a leader, YOU SET THE TONE. You do that in your daily actions, conversations, delegation of ownership, and decision making. If you expect a clean place, let your teams see you cleaning up. Don’t expect it, LIVE it!

Time- What are you doing with this depreciating asset? Are you focused on the quality of the time or the quantity of time? Are you listening and understanding or are you hearing and speaking? Where your attention goes, that is what you value. So I ask, what are you doing with your time?

Empathy- Are you understanding of your team’s individual stories? Why do they work alongside you? Why do they come to work every day? Do you listen to understand their perspectives? Have you put yourself in their position?

Communication- I have worked where we rarely communicated. I have worked where the team was constantly communicating and working together for the teams mission. Communicating with your team, where they ARE goes such a long way. Speaking in a way that your team understands and receives will increase your effectiveness in immeasurable ways. And please…Affirm your team. Up and down the chain. And do it often.