It has been said that this business decade is all about technology - but the next one will be all about relationships. This is how important building of relationships is considered to be.
As an employee, you can make your relationship and rapport building ability your best asset. It is going to be your best job skill and highly useful, no matter where you will be working. If you are going to change jobs several times during the span of your career, then building relationships is going to be the best thing that you learn how to do.
Every day you meet someone new and you connect with someone new. It is best to network with this person, as you do not know how that person can help you in your career. This is especially true at work; always build a good relationship and rapport with your colleagues, because you never know when you may need a professional favor from them.
The Bossy Way
Your growth at work could and most likely will depend on the way you behave with your boss. You have to remember that the reason your boss is your boss is because he is respected by top management. You will do really well for yourself if you build a good working relationship with your boss. They are the one who will let you handle major clientele or accounts, and who is also responsible for your appraisals and performance reviews.
Your boss can be your best mentor. Your boss is the best person to give guidance and direction about your job. You not only have to build a professional relationship with your boss, but it would also benefit you to build a personal relationship with them. This doesn't mean you are sucking up to them, it just means that you respect them as a person. So get to know him on a more personal level. You could call their family for lunch or dinner or you could go golfing with them; do whatever it takes to get to know them better.
Cooperating with Coworkers
Your coworkers and colleagues are important to your career. The way you work and deal with them reflects on your people skills. The relationships that you build with them can be very valuable. Do whatever it takes to build a bond with them. Help a colleague who is lagging in his work. Compliment them on an accomplishment or job well done. Go to the bar around the corner and socialize with them after work. Have a drink or two together. Get to know your co-workers on a more personal level. It will help you to build your network.
The Client, The King
Your client is the king. Today when the market is so competitive and so similar, where every product is the same, where is the edge? The edge lies in customer service. Customers are likely to be drawn to a company that is better at customer service than its competitors. You as an employee have to build that relationship with your customer to ensure that your customer comes back to you and appreciates your work well enough to put in a good word to your boss.
In an increasingly competitive business world, building relationships can make or break your career - so don't underestimate the importance of it.