Rapport in the workplace matters because few people work in silos, and one poor working relationship can undermine a year of good work in annual reviews. Building rapport means keeping a cordial relationship with every colleague, appreciating what each person brings, adapting your style to different personalities and keeping an atmosphere of politeness, respect and geniality.
Last updated · Bodhih Insights team · reviewed by Siddharthan VGJ, Founder
It’s important to have a positive working relationship with all of your colleagues, even if you don’t have a strong personal relationship. Very few people work in silos and will need the help of others in order to do their job well. Being a team player or working collaboratively are points that are commonly included in annual reviews, and it just takes one poor relationship to undermine your hard work for the year. Even if you’re not interested in spending time with someone outside of work, take the time to appreciate what they bring to the table, and try to establish a cordial working relationship.
It is important to maintain an atmosphere of politeness, respect, and geniality in order to create an environment where people come in to work with a good attitude. It’s really hard to be productive when you resent the place you work or the people you work with.”
Quick answers
Do you need to be friends with colleagues to build rapport?
No. The page notes that a positive working relationship is possible even without a strong personal one. You can skip spending time with someone outside work while still appreciating what they bring to the table and keeping a cordial, respectful working relationship.
