6 minute read
Relationships: essential for career success
RICHARD EDGE
by Richard Edge, CEO at Careerships
INTRODUCTION
A career is a part of our lives which often defines us. It is, therefore, no surprise our relationships with our work colleagues play a significant role in our progression, achievement and self-esteem.
The connections formed and built throughout our working lives shape how we view our industries, communication skills, goals and aspirations, whether those relationships were good or bad.
My experience as a human resources specialist, director, consultant and personal career coach has enabled me to meet a great number of people with exciting minds who have offered many thoughtprovoking assessments of how we work best in groups and as individuals.
One thing has always rung true: the importance of relationships in our working lives. Relationships are at the core of our personalities. People often forget this truth, whether they are C-suite executives or mid-level employees, or are just starting their career paths.
Understanding the significance of how you approach those you encounter throughout your career can give you a considerable advantage over others who do not take the time to invest in their relationships.
In this article, I aim to share the tricks that will help you be seen and remembered. I’ll suggest steps you can take to perform these tricks. And I’ll show you how technology can help us better understand one another.
Let’s get to it!
FOUR TRICKS AND STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR CAREER RELATIONSHIPS
1. The key to career and relationships: be nice!
You would think this to be common sense, but many people still have a cutthroat approach to careers and business. Here’s something to think about: the world is a small place, and it’s getting smaller. How does that small world see you?
The world of tech is one of the most interconnected business communities on the planet. It is filled with the brightest minds, working across a global platform, interacting and connecting. Cultural and geographical boundaries are crossed in most
industries and companies. This means there is much to consider regarding your interactions with others.
Your reputation is built upon how you treat people, not just on the work you deliver. You want to be remembered for how you helped someone when they did not know what to do, rather than how you berated them in frustration. You want to be revered as a thought leader, not a curiosity squasher. You want to be the person people can say made them enjoy the work they did, made them feel inspired and feel heard.
Humility is vital in what we do and how we approach our relationships. No matter what stage you are at in your career you always have something to learn, even from people you may consider less experienced than yourself. Being the best at what you do will not get you half as far as being the best at helping and understanding those around you.
Employers look to bring in people who are exceptional communicators, who can work well in a team, take direction, and nurture their relationships. These soft skills are integral to good leadership. Organisations value people others can get behind and trust.
We are all human and everyone wants a fulfilling career. But colleagues can determine whether people feel fulfilled in their work or are miserable and want to leave. Be the reason people stay. Be nice.
2. Personal brand – Do you know who you are and what people think of you?
We often think we know what others think of us, but do we really know? Our perception of self is biased. It is based on what we already know about ourselves, the projections and assumptions we place on others, and how we want to be seen rather than how we are seen.
I have used an outreach survey sent to one hundred people in my network to test others’ perception of myself. They were asked to send back honest, anonymous feedback so I could collate the data and get an accurate view of how I present to those I interact with.
This was hugely beneficial. An exercise like this can help you think more positively about your abilities, adjust your mindset and achieve your goals.
Below are three actions you can take to help build your brand.
Vision board Outline where you are and where you are going. You can write or draw this in a notebook or create a physical board with imagery. Platforms like Pinterest, Mural and Canva are great tools for collating ideas.
Do you know what you represent? Pick ten people and imagine how you make them feel and how they perceive you. Picking three words you think they would use to describe you is an excellent starting point.
Appreciative enquiry The best way to discover how someone feels about you is to ask! Let them answer anonymously. You can use survey tools online that enable people to send feedback without revealing their identities. This means you will get an authentic response you can work with. Compare the results.
If you see a problem, you can adapt. This change could be as simple as adjusting the way you introduce yourself so you create a more significant impression. For example, instead of saying, “Hi, I’m Kate. I work in Operations,” you could say, “Hi, I’m Kate. I’m the person who always gives three solutions to a problem.” It stands out, it’s different and it makes you memorable.
3. Market research, research, research…
Market research is a tool we all have but not all realise the power of. Once you understand yourself and your brand, you can identify your opportunities. Research can be your friend.
LinkedIn is without doubt the tool anyone looking to develop their brand, career or business should use. You can connect with your target network anywhere on the planet. If you want to know what people in your field are earning or what roles are potentially open to you, use LinkedIn.
You can use manual research to assess tone, style, history and trajectory and see how you align. Doing this allows you to grow your network in relevant areas, build a community or land that dream role.
Do your homework – three steps 1. Pick ten companies of interest on LinkedIn. 2. Connect with ten people in those companies. 3. Tell them why they interest you and what you can offer, and that you would love to have a chat. You never know what you will learn from them, or the opportunities you may find.
4. AI in relationships: a strategic advantage and tips that get you seen
To round off this article let’s look to the future and see how we are progressing. Technology is evolving rapidly and bringing us together in ways we could never have imagined.
The LinkedIn algorithm is a prime example. Want to know a secret? Applicants with the most connections working at the company they are applying to join will be boosted to the top of the pile. It pays to build insightful relationships with your potential future colleagues.
LinkedIn loves you using LinkedIn. So, use it as much as possible. Write articles, share insightful information about what you do, add a personal touch to your content and develop your authentic voice to build your brand, engage and connect with your audience.
And did you know that it’s now possible to run psychometrics via AI? This leading-edge technology is helping people better understand themselves, those they work with, the kind of individual they aspire to be and those they may be interviewed by.
CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR PSYCHOMETRICS?
Get in touch to get a free report on your psychometric profile and start growing your network and relationships today!
www.linkedin.com/in/richardjkedge
www.linkedin.com/company/careerships
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twitter.com/careershipsltd
www.careerships.com
