What are some strategies to build rapport with new or remote colleagues?

Building rapport with new or remote colleagues can be challenging, especially when you don't have the opportunity to interact face-to-face. However, rapport is essential for creating trust, collaboration, and a positive work culture. Here are some strategies to help you connect with your co-workers, whether they are in the same office, across the country, or around the world.

1 Be curious and respectful

One of the best ways to build rapport is to show genuine interest in your colleagues as individuals. Ask them about their backgrounds, hobbies, goals, and preferences. Listen actively and empathize with their experiences and perspectives. Respect their opinions, values, and work styles, even if they differ from yours. Avoid making assumptions or judgments based on stereotypes or biases.

Add your perspective

Dena Oneal

Director of Operations for SRC | Supporting women in business
Report contribution
An example of being curious and respectful is for your company to have a channel in your interoffice chat where people can chat about what happened that weekend, share pictures of their pets, and celebrate events in their lives. My company has a random channel. If the chatter quiets down, I often post about National Pets Day or other random events and ask people to post a picture of their pet. That always generates authentic conversations where we get to know our co-workers in a remote workplace.

Like
Jennifer Mason

Director of Business Development @ FirstService Residential - East | CAPS, CAM, NALP | NC Real Estate Broker | Talks about Leadership, HOA, Property Management, Mental Health Awareness
Report contribution
Creating connection is all about showing care for other people. Care about them as a person outside of work. If people feel cared for, then they will care about what you have to say or your perspective. If they don’t feel cared, for, they tend to turn a deaf ear.

Like

2 Communicate frequently and clearly

Communication is key for establishing and maintaining rapport with your colleagues. Make sure you communicate regularly and consistently, using the appropriate channels and tools. For example, you might use email for formal updates, instant messaging for quick questions, and video calls for brainstorming sessions. Be clear about your expectations, deadlines, feedback, and support. Also, be responsive and respectful when your colleagues reach out to you.

Add your perspective

Sally King

Training Coordinator at Erie 1 BOCES WNYRIC
Report contribution
Communication is one of the building blocks for a strong foundation. Keeping information flowing amongst the team is core for maintaining trust, improving knowledge and providing customer support and service expected by the organization. When communication stops doubt creeps in. Misunderstanding of why there is little if any shared knowledge brings with it a loss of trust and respect. Inviting everyone to share thoughts, experiences and knowledge builds on acceptance, respect and trust. These are things needed to build the foundation for better work flow, customer service and organization pride.

Like

3 Share your personality and passions

Another way to build rapport is to share some aspects of your personality and passions with your colleagues. This can help you create a more human and authentic connection, as well as find common ground and interests. For example, you might share some photos of your family, pets, or hobbies, or talk about your favorite books, movies, or music. You can also join or initiate social activities, such as virtual coffee breaks, trivia games, or book clubs.

Add your perspective

4 Appreciate and acknowledge

Showing appreciation and acknowledgment is a powerful way to build rapport and boost morale. Make sure you recognize and celebrate your colleagues' achievements, contributions, and strengths. Express gratitude and praise for their work, ideas, and support. You can also send them a thank-you note, a gift card, or a shout-out on social media. Be specific and sincere in your compliments and feedback.

Add your perspective

Jennifer Mason

Director of Business Development @ FirstService Residential - East | CAPS, CAM, NALP | NC Real Estate Broker | Talks about Leadership, HOA, Property Management, Mental Health Awareness
Report contribution
Yes, yes, yes! Great example: Thank you for your insight and perspective on what I asked you about last week. It really was incredibly helpful in me closing that deal. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciated the time it took for you to offer your expertise.

Like

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

Seeking feedback and collaboration is another strategy to build rapport and improve your performance. Ask your colleagues for their opinions, suggestions, and advice on your work, goals, and challenges. Be open and receptive to their input, and implement their recommendations when appropriate. You can also offer your own feedback and assistance to your colleagues, and invite them to work with you on projects or tasks. Show that you value their expertise and perspective, and that you are willing to learn from them.

Add your perspective

6 Resolve conflicts constructively

Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, but they can damage rapport and trust if they are not handled constructively. If you have a disagreement or misunderstanding with a colleague, try to resolve it as soon as possible. Approach the situation calmly and respectfully, and focus on the issue, not the person. Listen to their point of view, and acknowledge their feelings and concerns. Explain your own position, and look for a mutually acceptable solution. Apologize if you made a mistake, and forgive if they did.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are some strategies to build rapport with new or remote colleagues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be curious and respectful

2 Communicate frequently and clearly

3 Share your personality and passions

4 Appreciate and acknowledge

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

6 Resolve conflicts constructively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Staff Development

More relevant reading

What are some strategies to build rapport with new or remote colleagues?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Be curious and respectful

2 Communicate frequently and clearly

3 Share your personality and passions

4 Appreciate and acknowledge

5 Seek feedback and collaboration

6 Resolve conflicts constructively

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills