OFW guide: How to build extraordinary relationships at work

Even at the workplace, having healthy interpersonal relationships is important. The site Management Study Guide said people spend eight to nine hours each day in the office. During those hours, people have to interact with one another. "Human beings are not machines who can work at a stretch. We need people to talk to and share our feelings. Imagine yourself working in an organization with no friends around," the site said. According to the blog site Reviving Work Ethic, extraordinary relationships are key if you would like your business to be extraordinary. “Think about it, how can you serve customers well if you don’t know or understand them?” the blog site said. What touches people and affects relationships is how a person treats us, not what he produces, the site noted. The business site Inc. also compiled a list of tips to help you build extraordinary relationships with others. (1) Be ready to take a hit There will always be conflict around you, whether or not you are directly involved in the problem. People who build extraordinary relationships do extraordinary things like owning up or taking the blame for something which isn't their fault just to end the problem. They do this selfless act which strengthens relationships because they know that they could take the hit for the other person even if it is undeserved. (2) Go out of your way Offering help can build stronger relationships. However, when you go out of your way and make a difference by providing what the other person needs, that makes you the real deal. You will be seen as someone who genuinely cares and this is highly valued in all kinds of relationships. (3) Read through the lines There are many people, even friends that can't be straight to the point and have to resort to 'beating the bush' tactics. “A colleague might ask you whether he should teach a class at a local college; what he really wants to talk about is how to take his life in a different direction,” Inc. said. Read between the lines of every question and check whether there's actually a hidden meaning or a deeper set of questions within and address these. (4) Learn to adapt There are times when you need to set aside your personality depending on the situation. A party makes for a chummy and outgoing personality while a problematic situation calls for a more serious personality. “Great relationships are multifaceted and therefore require multifaceted people willing to adapt to the situation--and to the people in that situation,” Inc. noted. (5) Make others feel better A pat on the back, a simple word of praise, or whatever little thing you could do to boost another person's confidence will help you too. This will increase your good reputation and help you be in better relationships with others. (6) Be responsible Being responsible is one of the key traits to building an extraordinary relationship. One example is to own up to your mistakes. Few people will apologize immediately when a problem is caused by their fault. Most won't apologize unless placed on the spot. If you show that you're responsible enough to accept your shortcomings, other people would learn to trust you more. (7) Give and take Relationships are always a two-way road. Sometimes you're the one giving, at other times you're the one receiving. A relationship where only one benefits will not last because the person receiving the shorter end of the deal will likely run out of steam sooner or later. “A great relationship is mutually beneficial. In business terms that means connecting with people who can be mentors, who can share information, who can help create other connections; in short, that means going into a relationship wanting something,” Inc. said. (8) Treat people equally A person who establishes extraordinary relationships does not rate a person's worthiness depending on stature, power, or fame. He treats all people — rich or poor — equally. He knows that whatever your stature in life is, you'll be able to help one way or the other. (9) Value each relationship Whether it's a long time friend, a neighbor or someone you just met, make sure that you put importance on the relationship. You'll never know when you'll need the help of others. You thus shouldn't rate a person's worth based on his status or the time that you've known him. - Andrei Medina, VVP/BM, GMA News