Work relationships can make or break your career. Whether you're new to a company or just want to get to know the new guy, here are eight ways to build stronger relationships at work: One: Extend a Lunch Invitation You eat lunch every day, so why not use that time to your advantage? Invite a colleague to lunch if you are heading out of the office to grab a bite to eat. Lunch is a great way to get to know someone on a deeper level. Ask engaging questions of your lunch mate, and make sure to actively listen to their answers. Try to invite a new person to lunch at least once a month to build new relationships. You don't have to treat the person to lunch, but offering to pay is a nice gesture and a great way to entice people to accept your invitation. Two: Take a Break Together If you aren't much of a lunch person, invite a colleague to come with you on an afternoon coffee run. Stepping out of the office is a great way to clear your head and refocus, and a short trip to grab a latte provides just enough time to get to know someone a little bit better. If you struggle with small talk, discussing coffee preferences is a fantastic icebreaker. Three: Look for Common Interests As you make your rounds through the office each day, look around your co-workers' work spaces. People tend to show their interests in their photographs and knick-knacks. People enjoy talking about their children, pets, favorite sports teams and hobbies, so when you locate a common interest, strike up a conversation. Showing that you care about your co-workers' personal lives is the first step in building a stronger relationship with that person. Four: Make Yourself Available to Help Asking a co-worker if there is anything you can help them with is a great way to build relationships. Most of the time, when you ask your co-workers will say "no," but they will notice that you asked and they will be thankful for the gesture. Just be prepared to follow through when someone takes you up on your offer to help! Failing to help after you offer will do much more harm than good. Five: Be Approachable and Likeable When you're walking down the hallway, smile warmly and say hello to people you pass. If a co-worker stops by your desk -- even if you are extremely busy -- take a moment to say "hi" and interact with them. If you appear too standoffish, or you are only friendly and inviting when it's convenient for you, you will struggle to grow your network. Six: Acknowledge and Thank Others If someone on your team hits a home run on a project, be the first person to congratulate them on their success. And if someone goes out of their way to help you or their work helped you knock one out of the park, be sure to thank them. Today's corporate environment is extremely competitive. Showing your appreciation for others goes a long way toward building relationships. Seven: Participate in Office Outings You spend a lot of time at work and the thought of attending a department bowling night or joining the company softball team may seem vastly unappealing. However inconvenient they may seem, these gatherings are a great way to get to know your team members on a more personal level and can strengthen teamwork in the office. You don't have to participate in every single group outing, but be a regular participant and always show up with a smile on your face. If you don't like the choice of venue or the activity, step up to the plate and suggest something else for the future. Eight: Invest In Network-Building Outside The Office Relationships in the office are crucial for your long-term success, but don't forget to build your wider professional network, too. Make time to join professional organizations and attend networking events in your city or town. Another great way to build up your network is to work with a professional recruiter. A strong relationship with a recruiter can instantly open doors to new opportunities and help you advance your career in ways you hadn't previously envisioned. In today's competitive job market, you can't advance on your resume alone. Who you know matters. Investing in strong relationships with colleagues inside and outside the office will pay dividends for your career over time. Can I Treat You to Lunch?
