Rapport in leadership: a better relationship with your team

Leader Question: When was the last time you were 100% with your counterpart? 🤔

...and NOT at the same time in your thoughts: What do I do afterwards, oh mobile vibrates, the mail has to go out soon...

Do you feel caught? Not bad, that's how most people feel, because figuratively we all live on our own island of reality. 🏝️

This is where rapport comes in! Because when you know how to build a better relationship with your team and step into their reality islands, you automatically become a better Leader:in!

But what does rapport mean? Rapport describes an invisible bond between two or more people - the degree of connection you share.

When you can establish a good connection, it goes far beyond scratching the surface and you can see the person for who they are and understand their motivations. Leader:in are sometimes so busy with their agenda that they forget to make time for their team, but a good relationship between Leader:in & Team is, well, the key to a successful and productive work environment!

How can you apply rapport as a Leader?

👉Give your counterpart space!

If you constantly make your team feel like you're annoyed, they won't like entering your "space." #isso So give them the space and your full attention. 80% of the impact depends on your level of attention ;)

👉Get on a personal level.

The best way to build a relationship with your team is to connect with each individual on a personal level, no matter how big the company is. Developing a personal relationship with each Team Member is Key to a strong relationship. Start by getting to know your Teamies as people, not just workers. No one wants to be a number. Show genuine interest, listen to what they do outside of work and what drives them!

👉Communication

Establish a bridge between your islands of reality so your counterpart opens up. 🏝️🌉🏝️ Tune into the person in front of you, start the conversation, make small talk, look for thematic intersections you can share with your counterpart. e.g. the weather or a genuine question: how are you?

👉Active listening!

Active means listening awake and being present with your counterpart. Make sure you follow the conversation, don't constantly interrupt, and understand what is being said - with nods, hmm's, aha's, or ask: Did I understand you correctly? Can you explain that in more detail? I'll summarize again... Tip: Even if you feel you've heard it all 100 times before, practice "not knowing". Forget everything and listen completely NEW. By the way, you can also practice this at home in private! #gamechanger ;)

In short: Rapport leads to your team opening up and entrusting themselves to your leadership. This also applies to your business partners! But rapport also needs practice. Train it. For example, compile a list of elements with which you can establish rapport and apply one element at a time in your private conversations. In the 2nd part we will talk about Pacing & Leading! Stay tuned!💃