Create a network that helps you understand your own tasks better.
Collaborate across teams.
Building professional relationships develops your networking skills. As you move up, your success depends on your ability to collaborate across different teams and influence people at all levels.
Building strong work relationships is just as important as getting results. When you take the time to learn what your coworkers do and why their work matters, you create a support network that helps you understand your own tasks better. You can build these genuine connections through “micro-interactions,” like chatting for thirty seconds before a meeting starts or sending a quick, friendly message to a colleague. Don't let the fear of being awkward stop you from reaching out; staying isolated makes it harder to get the help you need later.
Being a helpful teammate is another easy way to strengthen these bonds. Offer a hand on a project when you have extra time, or share an interesting article that might help a teammate with their work. When you show a real interest in the success of the group, you build “social capital.” This means that when you eventually need a favor or a quick explanation on a difficult topic, people will be much more willing to help you in return. And avoid complaining to peers about your workload; doing so can label you as a "difficult" teammate rather than a helpful one.
What’s one "micro-interaction" you can have today to learn more about a teammate's role?
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