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BUILDING BRIDGES:BUILDING BRIDGES: FORGING PRODUCTIVE
PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Marny LifshenAuthor and Speaker
NAWIC | August 2016
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First, you tell me…• Who do you need to have good working
relationships with?
• What problems do you often encounter?
• How would positive professional relationships help you?
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So what does all this mean?
“It’s not just what you know, it’s who you know… AND
how well you work together.”
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Avoid Relationship Sabotage:• DON’T take things too personally• DON’T dominate conversations or relationships• DON’T fail to follow-through or be flexible• DON’T limit yourself with cliques• DON’T fail to maintain connection• DON’T burn bridges
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Apply Relationship Boosters:
• DO see things from their perspective• DO offer solutions when addressing problems• DO value cooperation and express appreciation• DO welcome diversity• DO identify and focus on critical relationships
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• Communication can make or break a professional relationship
• There is no “right” or “wrong” way• Communication is a behavior/skill that can be
improved • Communication is always a two-way street
What we have here is a failure to communicate…
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Communication is 3 DimensionalCommunication is both verbal and non-verbal1.Words/Verbal2.Tone/Vocal3.Physical/Visual
Choose the right tool!
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Tips for reducing miscommunication• Include as many stakeholders as possible as early as
possible• When in doubt, ask questions• Observe body languages and voice cues• End an interaction with a brief summary• Take notes
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Perception is reality,Adaptation is KING!
• However people are perceiving you, they are right. • Accept that and learn to change how you are being
perceived. • Adapting how you interact with others gives you
power.• Accept that and begin to think, plan and adjust
before you begin to interact.
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Overcoming Barriers:• Cultural• Generational• Gender• Geographical• Role• Personality
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Overcoming Barriers:• Be strategic & adapt to their style• Find a way to connect, go off-agenda• Dedicate time to build the relationship• Focus on clarity, consistency and responsiveness
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Dealing with difficult colleagues, conversations and situations:
• Set realistic expectations• Be prepared• Listen more than you talk• Stick with the agenda• Remember the relationship is more important than
the meeting• Watch for your “tells”
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Questions?
Marny LifshenAuthor and Speaker
NAWIC | August 2016