Positive company culture is built on several important concepts, one of which is good rapport in the workplace. Rapport essentially means two people have some level of mutual respect, they communicate effectively and support one another’s thoughts, feelings, or ideas. All of these elements of good rapport strengthen a team in any organization.
Importance of Developing Rapport in the Workplace
When team members have a good rapport with one another and their team leaders, it offers many benefits to both the team members and the organization. Team members have more of a sense of belonging in their workplace and can be overall more content. Research also shows that happy team members are generally more productive and more committed to the company, which offers benefits to the organization.
7 Tips for Developing a Better Rapport
1. Encourage Two-Way Communication
Effective communication skills go a long way when it comes to developing rapport. It’s beneficial to offer communication skills training sessions for employees during the onboarding process for this reason.
2. Make Conflict Resolution Part of Company Culture
Conflict impedes rapport in the workplace due to lingering tension. Occasional conflict is par for the course, but the company should have strategies in place for effective conflict resolution, such as clearly identified steps of action to take when a team member has a conflict with another. In a company culture that is serious about resolving conflict quickly, rapport is more naturally going to happen.
3. Make Time for Downtime
Downtime at work gives the team a chance to mingle, communicate, and build good relationships with colleagues. Something as simple as an extra 10 minutes on Mondays after the morning meeting can give the team time to share and get rejuvenated for the week ahead.
4. Host Knowledge-Sharing Meetings
Building rapport can mean appreciation for other people’s ideas, which can be highly valuable in a team setting. Knowledge-sharing meetings give team members an opportunity to share knowledge about different aspects of the job. For example, if the company is facing a major workflow change, a knowledge-sharing meeting allows the team to discuss their concerns and thoughts about how the new changes can be implemented.
5. Provide Opportunities for Developing Rapport Off-Site
Building rapport off-site can sometimes be more effective than encouraging rapport on the job. Consider arranging for outside-of-work opportunities that give team members the chance to connect and engage. For example, hosting a fundraiser event, community volunteering initiative, or an outdoor team-building event allows time for connection when work isn’t involved.
6. Welcome New Hires into the Fold
New hires can feel like outsiders, but the team can also view them as such. Make an effort to warmly welcome new people to the team with introductions, chances for the new hire to collaborate with others, and general positivity.
7. Develop Team-Building Skills
Team-building skills help bring out the best of each team member with concepts that can be applied in different workplace scenarios. Pursuing team-building training is a good way to nurture the team mindset, but organizations can also use team-building exercises to make a difference.
Build Rapport with Effective Communication Skills Training
Working to develop rapport among your team? The professionals at Learn2 have experience in creating team-building experiences that will nurture good rapport and build communication skills within organizations of any size. We can help you select the right communication skills training that is high-energy and has an impact. Chat with us and we can transform your organization.
