How can you build strong relationships with less experienced colleagues?

1 Identify common goals

One of the first steps to building strong relationships with less experienced colleagues is to identify and align your common goals. This can help you establish a shared vision, a sense of purpose, and a positive attitude towards working together. You can use the SMART framework to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that are clear and realistic for both of you. You can also use the OKR framework to define objectives, key results, and initiatives that align with your team and organizational goals. By identifying common goals, you can show your less experienced colleagues that you value their contributions and support their growth.

3 Share your expertise

A third step to building strong relationships with less experienced colleagues is to share your expertise. This means offering your insights, tips, resources, and connections that can help them learn and grow. You can use the 70-20-10 model to balance your learning interventions between formal training, social learning, and experiential learning. You can also use the 4MAT model to tailor your teaching style to the different learning preferences of your less experienced colleagues. By sharing your expertise, you can demonstrate your generosity, credibility, and leadership with your less experienced colleagues.

4 Learn from them

A fourth step to building strong relationships with less experienced colleagues is to learn from them. This means being open-minded, curious, and humble about their perspectives, ideas, and experiences. You can use the Ladder of Inference to avoid jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about their actions and motives. You can also use the Johari Window to increase your self-awareness and disclose more of yourself to them. By learning from them, you can show your respect, appreciation, and curiosity with your less experienced colleagues.

5 Celebrate successes

A fifth step to building strong relationships with less experienced colleagues is to celebrate successes. This means acknowledging their achievements, giving recognition, and expressing gratitude. You can use the STAR framework to highlight their specific situation, task, action, and result. You can also use the Five Languages of Appreciation to express your gratitude in a way that matches their preferred mode of appreciation. By celebrating successes, you can foster a positive, supportive, and motivating environment with your less experienced colleagues.

6 Resolve conflicts

A sixth step to building strong relationships with less experienced colleagues is to resolve conflicts. This means addressing issues, clarifying expectations, and finding solutions. You can use the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument to identify your preferred style of handling conflict and adapt to the situation and the person. You can also use the Interest-Based Relational Approach to focus on the underlying interests, needs, and concerns of both parties, rather than the positions or demands. By resolving conflicts, you can enhance your collaboration, cooperation, and respect with your less experienced colleagues.