Building Workplace Relationships by Overcoming Prejudices

Actually, it is inevitable.It's important therefore, when we manage and
We 'get on' with some people better than others.lead others, to have the capacity to stand back
Those who we seem to create a rapport withand be dispassionate about those we work closely
easily, are always most likely to be those we turnwith.
to when we want some form of interaction.Taking the time to recognize the real value
Our natural characteristics are formed through oureveryone brings to the party is vital - and that
lives and are such that we have peculiarities thatmeans there will be some in the team who you
create our own very personal natures.aren't that similar to. Some whose character is
When we are living our informal lives (away fromless aligned to you than you are with others.
the workplace), we can afford to pick and chooseThe natural prejudice you show to gather people
who we spend our time with. Naturally, where wearound you who you get on well with is
can, we like to enjoy the company we get mostunderstandable and indeed is psychologically
pleasure from, so, on that basis, we decide whodesigned to protect you from harm. Guided by
to be with and when.experiences you've had in your life at some time,
In the workplace, it isn't so easy. Of course weyou push away from some people who have
can recruit people who we are more likely to getsimilarities to those with whom you perhaps had a
on well with - those who we have an immediatedifficult experience.
liking for - and that's a natural way to be.In work, by acknowledging and working through
When we have people in our teams where wesuch internal prejudices (which are often going
find they are quite different to us in some wayunnoticed by you), you are likely draw into your
or other, or they don't resonate with us in someteam people (and develop those already there)
way, there is a natural tendency to be morewho have much to offer, thus creating a whole
distant with them, because there is less of thatnew set of resources that you might otherwise
natural rapport.have missed out on.
This is all quite logical and can go a long way toThey won't harm you. They will bring new
explain why there are differences in our behaviorsperspectives into the team which, if you let them,
around some people rather than others.will significantly add value.
When we manage others and we seek to buildBy overcoming your personal prejudices and going
workplace relationships, we need to be a bitout of your way to build useful relationships with
smarter than this.individuals you might have spent less time with in
Our natural tendencies are all well and good whenthe past, you are making your team much more
we socialize outside work, but we need to haveeffective and that is a vital component on the
everyone on board when we are developing aroad to success.
team that will generate results for us.