Relationship-building

In this article you can read about relationship-building. You will learn what is meant by the term and what a competent relationship-builder does. 

What do we mean by relationship-building?

When we talk about the competency of relationship-building in the world of business, we are referring to building strong relationships with partners and clients – about using interpersonal skills to network in an effective way.

What does a competent relationship-builder do?

Somebody who is competent at relationship-building focuses on understanding the needs of the client and getting the best possible results. This competency promotes an ethic of client service and so an understanding and anticipation of a client’s changing needs is essential. Stress and conflict are other issues that a competent relationship-builder will manage - keeping composed and acting as mediator when conflicts arise.

How can I start to develop the competency of relationship-building?

First identify the business plan goals of your department and decide what your role is going to be in helping to achieve those goals. You will need to study the business plan and learn as much as possible about your clients’ activities, interests and needs. This information might be available in their own annual reports or in client surveys conducted by your company. Talking to your clients about how you can best meet their needs is also a sensible first step to take.

Seven steps to becoming an effective relationship-builder:

1. Draw up a plan of what you need to do in order to give your clients what they want. Discuss your ideas with your line manager and then do what is necessary to implement the plan.

2. When the plan has been set in motion, schedule regular meetings with your line manager to review the progress that you are making and make any necessary adjustments.

3. When you are working as part of a team or group within a department or a company it is important to assess your contribution to the group’s work. Think about how your efforts help or hinder progress.

4. Make a weekly analysis of your commitments. Set yourself a goal for each week so that you follow them through. Make an effort to do what you say you are going to do – and also, to do it by the time that you say it will be done. If you get into the habit of doing this it will become like second nature.

5. Build up a file of contacts and classify them in a way that is meaningful for your particular work context. Then you will know exactly who to call with any queries or when you need information.

6. Don’t just wait for feedback to come to you, request it from a variety of sources – from your line manager but also from colleagues, clients and people who you supervise. Listen to what they have to say and act accordingly.

7. Build informal relationships with the people who are working around you. Make a point of greeting people who you normally don’t speak to. Ask them about their interests and make it a goal to practise small talk with them. Listen to what they say and remember so that you can ask about a particular interest the next time you meet.

Learning English

Why is it important to learn English? 

English is the main language in the world. You will speak English with your friends, your neighbours, your boss, ..... Everywhere in the world, people speak English. Your chances of success in work or business will improve if you can understand and speak English.

Many language programs use a system called the “Canadian Language Benchmarks” (also called CLBs) to describe and test how well you speak and understand English. There are 12 benchmarks, with 12 being the highest (strongest English skills) and 1 being the lowest. To do most jobs well, a minimum of a benchmark 4 is recommended. 
It is possible for someone with lower benchmarks to work and speak with others. But without a minimum of a benchmark 4 you will find that it is not easy to speak with your boss or co-workers, go to the store or the bank, speak with your friends, or speak with the partner. You can learn more about the CLBs at the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks website or take an on-line self assessment.

You may want to begin learning English before you arrive because you will need to understand and speak English when you arrive and to begin your settlement activities.

One way to improve your English language skills is to access websites for learning English. Search the internet for terms like "English as a Second Language," "Learn English" or "English Vocabulary".