BUILDING BRIDGES:BUILDING BRIDGES: FORGING PRODUCTIVE

PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Marny LifshenAuthor and Speaker

NAWIC | August 2016

First, you tell me…• Who do you need to have good working

relationships with?

• What problems do you often encounter?

• How would positive professional relationships help you?

So what does all this mean?

“It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know… AND

how well you work together.”

Avoid Relationship Sabotage:• DON’T take things too personally• DON’T dominate conversations or relationships• DON’T fail to follow-through or be flexible• DON’T limit yourself with cliques• DON’T fail to maintain connection• DON’T burn bridges

Apply Relationship Boosters:

• DO see things from their perspective• DO offer solutions when addressing problems• DO value cooperation and express appreciation• DO welcome diversity• DO identify and focus on critical relationships

• Communication can make or break a professional relationship

• There is no “right” or “wrong” way• Communication is a behavior/skill that can be

improved • Communication is always a two-way street

What we have here is a failure to communicate…

Communication is 3 DimensionalCommunication is both verbal and non-verbal1.Words/Verbal2.Tone/Vocal3.Physical/Visual

Choose the right tool!

Tips for reducing miscommunication• Include as many stakeholders as possible as early as

possible• When in doubt, ask questions• Observe body languages and voice cues• End an interaction with a brief summary• Take notes

Perception is reality,Adaptation is KING!

• However people are perceiving you, they are right. • Accept that and learn to change how you are being

perceived. • Adapting how you interact with others gives you

power.• Accept that and begin to think, plan and adjust

before you begin to interact.

Overcoming Barriers:• Cultural• Generational• Gender• Geographical• Role• Personality

Overcoming Barriers:• Be strategic & adapt to their style• Find a way to connect, go off-agenda• Dedicate time to build the relationship• Focus on clarity, consistency and responsiveness

Dealing with difficult colleagues, conversations and situations:

• Set realistic expectations• Be prepared• Listen more than you talk• Stick with the agenda• Remember the relationship is more important than

the meeting• Watch for your “tells”

Questions?

Marny LifshenAuthor and Speaker

NAWIC | August 2016