Looking to build bridges between people? Here are 46 ways to enhance communication, improve relationships and foster teamwork between people.
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Building Bridges: We’re In This Together
Are you looking to build bridges between people? Here are 46 ways to enhance communication, improve relationships and foster teamwork.
- Set the right tone
- Promote win-win versus win-lose
- Focus as much on the process as on the end result
- Expect to date before getting married
- Emphasize what can be achieved rather than what can’t
- Be the first to give of yourself
- Work hard individually; benefit mutually
- Assume that others have your best interests at heart
- Secure small wins to build momentum
- Look at things from others’ perspectives
- Spend as much time hearing as listening
- Ensure that everyone is on the same page
- Show as much respect as you want to receive in return
- Compliment people in public; criticize them in private
- Listen to others’ thoughts before presenting yours
- Protect everything said in confidence
- Build on mutual agreement and areas of common interest
- Lead through buy-in rather than intimidation
- Spend equal time understanding and persuading
- Celebrate as a team
- Discourage cliques
- Be open, honest, and transparent
- Encourage “we” rather than “us versus them”
- Discourage grandstanding
- Never back anyone into a corner
- Forge a relationship built on trust
- Don’t succumb to pettiness
- Maintain momentum
- Don’t make backroom deals
- Prohibit destructive behavior
- Play nice or don’t play
- Be fair at all costs
- Keep your promises
- Make everyone look good
- Separate the issue from the person
- Never win at the expense of the relationship
- Watch others’ backs and they’ll watch yours in return
- Park your ego outside
- Find the merit in others’ arguments
- Take the high ground –– especially when you have the upper hand
- Compromise your position, but not your principles
- Be civil and respectful of others’ views
- Demonstrate good faith
- Prove your intentions through actions rather than words
- When in doubt, do what’s right
- Remember, trust takes a long time to develop, but it can be lost in seconds
What Do You Think?
Additional Reading:
How to Create a Win-Win Relationship
Living the Golden Rule
Good Relationships Don’t Keep Score
Win-Win Business Relationships
Why Do You Trust Some People and Mistrust Others?
The Cost of Distrust
The Values on Which Trust Rests
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Hi Frank,
I love this! What a comprehensive list! I’ve pinned it on my Community Board on Pinterest!
Lori
Thanks for taking the time to write, Lori. And, thanks so much for sharing it with friends and colleagues.
Have an awesome day!
Best,
Frank
Hi Frank,
I too am grateful for you posting this … Thank You.
Hey Mark
I’m glad you like it. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Other ways to build bridges:
Seek sweet spots of mutual interest then speak to them
Enable others and yourself to use best talent together on things you find meaningful
Be a helpful helper
Speak to their positive intent especially when they appear to have none in the moment
When in the spotlight highlight others’ admirable actions in vividly specific language
Keep a thread to the conversation
Be the glue that holds groups together by synthesizing others ideas to suggest a way forward….
Kare…I like ALL of your additions. I especially like, “Seek sweet spots of mutual interest then speak to them.” The truth is, if your heart is in the right place, and others’ reciprocate, success will follow.
Thanks for your thoughts 🙂
Best,
Frank