now, no signup required!
Humans are social beings by nature. It’s natural for some people to connect easily while others take time to develop an understanding. The process of building rapport is unique to every individual and differs in every scenario.
But building rapport is not impossible. It can be developed consciously over time with a little practice. Though it is sometimes intimidating, it’s important to work on your rapport building skills. Personal connections enhance professional relationships but having good rapport makes them long-lasting.
What Is Rapport building?
Rapport building is the act of communicating to develop a connection or relationship with someone. In other words, it’s a bilateral relationship where both parties communicate with each other while feeling supported and understood. An example of developing good rapport is attending a business conference and networking with strangers with the promise of reconnecting in the future.
Why Build Rapport?
Building rapport isn’t only for building sustainable relationships in your personal or professional life. It’s foundational to supporting and boosting careers too. Having rapport-building skills can open up a horizon of possibilities. Good rapport helps in exchanging ideas, participating in and influencing discussions, opening doors for collaborations.
Here are some real-life occasions where rapport building skills come handy:
1. Inspirational Networks:
Developing good rapport with your immediate networks can always prove fruitful. People can become your mentors or advisers and can help you accomplish necessary goals while supporting your career trajectory.
2. Stakeholders Networks:
Building rapport with your co-workers and colleagues is inevitable. It will not only help you complete your tasks but will also make the work more enjoyable.
3. Goal-based Networks:
It can be useful to build rapport with individuals who may provide immediate benefits. For example, communicating with employers or hiring managers can help you feel calmer and more prepared for the role.
4. Possible Networks:
Sometimes it is helpful not to focus on end results for efficient rapport building. Every relationship counts–whether short-term or long-term. They may present you with opportunities when you least expect it.
How To Build Rapport?
While rapport building is important, it is equally crucial to understand how to build rapport. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
1. Good Body Language:
First impressions can be long-lasting. It’s always helpful to make yourself look presentable. A few friendly smiles and nods accompanied by a relaxed attitude can help overcome the initial awkwardness of rapport building.
2. Small Talk:
Most people rely on small talk as an ice-breaker. You may speak about the weather or crack a joke. Not making the whole conversation about yourself is a sign of good rapport.
3. Listening Actively:
It’s easy to hear but difficult to listen to. One of the primary facets of rapport building involves listening carefully and attentively. Let people speak because it is helpful in drawing common experiences and strengthening the flow of the conversation.
4. Mirror And Matching:
Research shows that being empathetic is one of the most effective ways of establishing good rapport. Understanding their body language, temperament, communication style, etc. can pave the way for a sustainable relationship.
Trust lies at the very foundation of rapport building. It allows people to be open and vulnerable and exchange freely. Harappa Education’s Establishing Trust course is meant for shaping and sharpening your rapport building skills.
The Trust Equation will help you understand the underlying factors of building and maintaining trustworthiness. The Trust Toolkit will teach you the professional benefits of honoring the commitment and keeping confidences.
Conclusion
Rapport Building is an essential life-skill. However, building rapport is not only about sealing a deal or meeting end goals. It is a ticket to long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships that help shape your career growth.
Harappa’s Expanding Networks course will equip you with all the necessary tools that will hone your networking skills besides teaching you smart ways of building trust to enhance your rapport building skills. Start sharing and networking without fear!
Explore topics such as Strategic Management, How to Build Trust, Types of Reliability & Team Working Skills from our Harappa Diaries section in order to build trust-rich relationships at work.
