Even quick encounters are more meaningful
Given the fast pace of our jobs, it’s easy to think about connections in the workplace as transactions – something to mark off the to-do list – rather than opportunities to build relationships.
Being transactional means treating people like something to do or accomplish versus connecting with someone. You don’t create a sense of belonging in transactions.
On the other hand, being relational means investing more of yourself into connections at work and personalizing them. It might seem like a lot at times, but eventually it leads to deeper and more impactful work.
Creating connections with others is a basic human need. You need connections to build trust and share ideas. When you work in relationship with each other, you create a feeling of belonging and accountability to each other, even if it is through brief interactions.
Five elements that build relational connections
1. Empathy: Take time to understand the people around you and their needs
2. Feedback: Fearlessly share with others when you notice impressive work and see opportunities to be even better
3. Trust: Keep your word through consistency and transparency
4. Respect: Listen, put good intentions into action, and give credit to others
5. Commitment: Be dedicated to the success of others as well as the work
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Relational vs Transactional