Episode 12: Should you stay or should you go? Reflection Part 2 - Nurturing Professional Relationships: Impact on Your Work Happiness

In this episode, I’m going to bring you some ideas about how to nurture your professional relationships and I’m going to tell you why it can help you be more fulfilled at work.

This is especially relevant for those of you listening who are thinking about a career change.

1: Understanding the Importance of Professional Relationships

A lot of coaches and neuroscientists have researched this topic around people’s mood, success and even depression levels. The way we think about any situation will impact our results.

Why do you think networking is such an important step for people looking for a job? Because, interacting with others will leave an impression that is much more impactful than words on paper.

And then it continues when you are working.  We work with people and for people, whether you think about your clients, your team, your colleagues   or your manager.

The better you are at having good relationships, the better you’re going to feel.

If you imagine having a good relationship, it usually means that:

• There is clear expectations
• There is good and effective communication
• Al parties are respectful of each other
• etc.

Positive relationships can lead to more job satisfaction, productivity, and career growth.

When you think of someone you’ve loved to work with, compared to someone you’ve hated working with, what’s the difference?

Mostly their attitude, and yours.

So I want to invite you to jot down your thoughts about what defines the way YOU want to show up, because you’ll never be in control of how the person in front of you will act. --> Focus on you.

2: Building Strong Professional Relationships

Now I’d like to share some practical tips for developing and nurturing professional relationships:

  Networking strategies (on and offline)

• Attend events to meet professionals in your field or interest
• Join organizations or online communities
• Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with others and engage in meaningful conversations
• Offer to help others in your network by sharing resources, providing advice, or making introductions

  - Effective communication skills

• Practice clear and concise communication.
• Use active listening techniques to understand others' perspectives.
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
• Be mindful of your body language and tone of voice.
• Use positive language and avoid negative or confrontational language.