When you think about getting ahead at work, you probably think about skills, experience, or meeting your goals. But there’s one thing that quietly powers your career more than you might expect: relationships.
Strong work relationships help you collaborate better, feel more supported, and get noticed for new opportunities. But what if you’re not naturally outgoing? What if networking or chatting over lunch just isn’t your thing?
The good news is, building strong relationships at work isn’t about being the loudest or most social person in the office. It’s about being intentional, curious, and consistent. Here are seven tips on how you can do that without changing who you are.
1. Start Small and Be Present
You don’t have to make grand gestures to build connections. Start with simple things like saying “good morning,” joining a meeting a minute early to chat, or asking a colleague how their day is going.
These small acts of presence show others that you’re approachable and open to connection, even if it’s just a short hallway conversation.
2. Be Curious About Others
You don’t need to be a talker to be a great communicator. Being a good listener and asking thoughtful questions can go a long way. Take an interest in your coworkers’ roles, projects, or professional goals.
When you show curiosity, people feel valued and they’re more likely to engage with you in return.
3. Collaborate (Don’t Compete)
Workplaces can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be supportive. Offer help when you can. Share credit when it’s due. Celebrate wins, even if they aren’t yours.
When you build a reputation as someone who lifts others up, people will naturally want to work with you and support your growth, too.
Strong work relationships help you collaborate better, feel more supported, and get noticed for new opportunities.
4. Look for Shared Interests
You don’t have to be best friends with your coworkers, but finding small commonalities—like a shared love for coffee, a favorite show, or a hobby—can make interactions feel more natural.
These shared moments create low-pressure ways to bond, and they help break the ice in future conversations.
5. Follow Up and Follow Through
Relationships grow through consistency. If someone mentions something they’re working on, ask about it later. If you promise to help or deliver something, make sure you do.
Reliability builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong work relationships.
6. Don’t Avoid Difficult Conversations
It’s tempting to shy away from uncomfortable moments, especially if you’re more reserved. But learning how to give and receive feedback respectfully is a key part of building trust.
Being honest (but kind) shows that you care about the work and the people doing it. It also helps you grow your confidence in handling complex situations.
7. Make Time for Relationship-Building
If your calendar is always full, connection won’t happen on its own. Try setting aside time—maybe just once a month—to grab coffee with a teammate, check in with a mentor, or have a quick one-on-one with someone in another department.
Even brief, meaningful conversations help build a broader support system at work.
While you don’t have to be a social butterfly to build strong relationships, you do need to be intentional, genuine, and consistent. This means showing up, taking an interest in others, and following through on your social commitments.
Over time, those small actions will add up, and so will the trust and connection that come with them. And with that, you’ll find yourself not just fitting in at work, but thriving in it.
