Ways to Strengthen Professional Relationships Over Time

Think about the last time someone brought up a detail you'd mentioned weeks ago, like your weekend hiking trip or your daughter's recital. That spark of recognition that makes you feel valued. New research from the University of Aberdeen reveals something we intuitively know but rarely leverage in our professional relationships: demonstrating that you remember specific details someone shared with you is just as effective at making them feel important as explicitly saying "Your thoughts matter." We have this powerful relationship tool right at our fingertips which we use with ease in our personal connections, yet we often forget to use it professionally. When we reference past conversations, we're saying "what you shared mattered enough for me to remember"—and that message resonates deeply. Here are seven moments when flexing your memory muscle transforms professional relationships: 1. When giving constructive feedback: "Remember when you mentioned wanting to develop presentation skills after that March client meeting? Here's how this project could help..." 2. During performance reviews: "You shared six months ago that you wanted more cross-functional collaboration. I've noticed how you've actively sought those opportunities..." 3. When offering support: "I know your team was struggling with that software implementation. How did the training session go?" 4. During follow-ups: "Last time we talked, you were considering that leadership course. Did you enroll?" 5. When delegating: "This reminds me of that process improvement idea you pitched in January. Want to take the lead?" 6. During check-ins: "How's your son's soccer season? Last time they were heading into playoffs." 7. When introducing colleagues: "Sarah, meet Tom. He shares your passion for making sourdough!" But what if your memory feels like Swiss cheese? (Asking for myself at 53!) The good news is you don't need perfect recall. Try jotting down a quick note after meaningful conversations in your phone, calendar, or CRM. Even a simple "mentioned daughter's graduation" can transform your next interaction. The effort to remember matters as much as the remembering itself. Here are the key takeaways: *Memory displays equal explicit value statements in making people feel appreciated *We underuse this strategy professionally while using it naturally in personal contexts *Small remembered details create big emotional connections *Perfect memory isn't required (phew!); notes and systems work just as well Your memory (with a little help) might just be your most underused relationship-building superpower. #relationships #coaching #leadership

High performers beware: I just had a coaching call with someone who consistently gets high marks at work, but recently received feedback that they weren’t working as hard on building relationships with their coworkers. Here’s what I told them: ▶ Praise in public: Take every opportunity to raise up the people you work with. I have been known to use memes, songs, movies, and more to show a team member how much I appreciate them. ▶ Be vulnerable: The best way to get to know someone is to get someone to know you. Take the lead in sharing your own personality and interests with the people you work with and see who reciprocates. ▶ Keep a personal file: I use a “Personal CRM” to track the names, contact info, and significant details of everyone in my professional network. I even keep contingency plans in case they go rogue (joking. maybe.) ▶ Master the dreaded Zoom call small talk: Put yourself in the mind of a host or emcee. You don’t need a stand-up routine, but even some light conversation to open up / close the call puts everyone in a better mood. ▶ Model successful behavior: Find the few people in your office known for having a great presence, and learn from them. Success leaves clues. ▶ Take full advantage of the office: If you do have the opportunity to work in an office, take advantage of slow moments to have conversations with others. Working in an office doesn’t mean working remotely at your desk. Get moving! These are a few quick tactics we ideated on during our call that may seem small, but a relationship is the culmination of small things, done over time. Good luck out there, and let me know of any tactics you’ve developed at work to make connecting with your coworkers a little easier!

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist

I received a call yesterday from a good friend, an executive director at a thriving law firm.  We’ve known each other for years and while we ended up discussing business, it started my wheels thinking about relationships and how they build a business in professional services. After years of focusing the best marketing techniques in professional services, I always revisit one theme. Building strong relationships is key to developing a firm, and growing a practice. While having excellent skills will always be table stakes, the strength of a relationships is also an essential component. One thing is clear: it's all about the relationships we as individuals build and nurture. Here are five tips to strengthen those connections that matter to you. 💡 1.    Lead with Empathy Understanding what your clients or prospects are going through is crucial. It's not just about the business side—it's about seeing the bigger picture of their challenges and successes. When you truly empathize with others, it deepens trust and connection. 💡 2.    Find Common Ground We all have shared experiences—whether it's career paths, mutual interests, or personal milestones. Finding those commonalities can make the conversation more comfortable and genuine, helping to build a solid foundation for the relationship. 💡 3.   Care About Their Success It's not enough to focus solely on your own goals. You have to genuinely care about the other person's business, and that means understanding their industry, their pressures, and their needs. 💡 4.   Show Interest In-Between the Transaction A relationship built solely on a deal or a single litigation (even if the dollars are significant) is transactional, generally with a beginning and an end. Show interest in their life outside of work, and stay in touch with them in-between matters. 💡5.  It’s a Long Game Building strong relationships doesn’t happen overnight and there is no magical system that works the same for everyone. Follow up regularly, stay in touch, and show you’re consistently thinking of them. Relationships need nurturing, and this level of attention proves that you’re not just there for a quick win—you’re in it to support them for the long haul. Relationships are at the core of everything—whether you’re building a practice or growing a larger business.