Building Rapport with Staff

Having an effective team doesn’t just come with hiring good people. Building rapport keeps your team engaged, open to feedback, and encourages trust.
 
Make Yourself Approachable.  Make sure you have an open door policy, literally and figuratively.  If it isn’t confidential, keep the door open.
 
Ask Questions.  Make sure you learn something about your employees’ lives and interests.  It is as simple as taking a moment to ask how Sarah’s t-ball game went, shows employee’s you care.
 
Learn From Your Staff.  While you may be their superior, your staff can teach you things.  Trust in their experience and try some of their suggestions. 
 
Spend Time Together.  It is not necessary take your team out for happy hour every Friday.  The occasional group lunch or morning coffee and donuts bring everyone together.
 Let’s be honest - food always brings people together!
                       
Communicate Well.  We all learned that communication (good or bad) is a game changer.  It might seem trivial, but try repeating what you heard back to your team and vice versa.  For example, “What I gathered from our meeting today is that we are ready to execute A and B, but we need more resources before executing C.”  Show your staff you hear them.
 
Set an Example.  Good vent sessions can be therapeutic. There is nothing wrong with allowing your staff to vent..be a good listener. Try to find positive solutions together to resolve the issue