When I look back on my 25+ years in the workforce—managing teams, navigating complex workplace dynamics, and learning to lead—I can say this with confidence:
Your relationships at work matter more than your résumé.
Not the forced “networking event” kind of relationships. I’m talking about genuine, respectful, professional connections built on trust, kindness, and consistency.
If the last 25 years of working has taught me anything, it is that people are at the heart of your career success. And not just because I’ve spent over 10 years working in HR. I’ve seen it play out again and again—the people you work with can accelerate or stall your growth. And not just the people directly on your team or people that you are working on projects with, but the people you associate with at work, too.
Why Work Relationships Matter More Than Ever
You can have the perfect résumé, all the right credentials, and a strong work ethic—but if your coworkers don’t trust you, feel respected by you, or enjoy working with you, your growth will hit a ceiling.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- People promote people they trust and who they can count on.
- Teams rally behind people who treat them well.
- Culture fit and collaboration often outweigh technical skills.
So if you’re wondering how to stand out in your workplace, grow your career, or even land your next leadership role—start by building stronger relationships.
6 Simple (But Powerful) Ways to Build Better Work Relationships
You don’t need to be an extrovert or a coffee chat regular. These small, intentional habits will make a big difference:
1. Be Reliable
Show up. Follow through. Meet deadlines. When your team knows they can count on you, trust builds naturally.
2. Communicate Clearly and Often
Keep people in the loop—especially on shared projects. A quick update or heads-up about a delay helps everyone manage expectations (and makes you look like a pro).
3. Be Kind
A smile, a compliment, or a “thank you” note goes a long way. Ask about your coworkers’ lives outside of work. Remember names. Celebrate wins.
4. Offer Help
See someone struggling? Lend a hand—even if they don’t ask. Support builds connection, and people remember who showed up when it mattered.
5. Listen to Understand
In meetings or hallway chats, practice active listening. Take note of personal details—it shows you care, and that matters.
6. Avoid Gossip
Nothing destroys trust faster. If you want to be someone others confide in, keep conversations respectful and drama-free.
What I’ve Learned Over 25 Years of Building Work Relationships
Every major step forward in my career came not just from skill—but from relationships. I’ve seen:
- brilliant people get passed over for promotions because they were hard to work with.
- quiet team players rise fast because they made others feel seen, supported, and respected.
Relationships are career currency. They open doors before you even knock.
For Working Moms: Why This Matters More Than You Think
If you’re a working mom—maybe even homeschooling on top of a full-time job—you might be thinking:
“I don’t have time for extra stuff like work relationships.”
But here’s the truth: This isn’t extra. This is your work.
You don’t have to be best friends with your coworkers. You don’t need to go to happy hour. But you do need to be someone who:
- Communicates clearly
- Works well with others
- Builds trust through kindness and follow-through
- Steers clear of drama and gossip
You’re already multitasking like a champ—bring that same energy to your workplace relationships, and watch your influence grow.
The Career Advice No One Tells You: Skills Get You Hired, Relationships Move You Forward
Whether you’re just starting your career, leading a team, or transitioning after maternity leave—don’t underestimate the power of people. Want to:
get promoted?
have more fulfilling work?
feel more connected (and less isolated) at work?
Start with simple kindness. Show up consistently. Be someone people want on their team.
Final Thoughts: Relationship-Building Is a Career Strategy—Not a Soft Skill
In every industry, at every level, relationships are your secret weapon.
So next time you update your résumé, also ask yourself:
“How am I showing up for the people I work with?”
Because when it comes to career growth, your people skills are just as important as your performance.
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