Advice for improving your workplace relationships  

This means taking full responsibility for our words and actions,  not letting our own negative emotions impact the people around us.  If we feel frustration or resentment towards others this will manifest in what we observe and the way we engage. By developing our own Emotional Intelligence, we'll become more adept at identifying and handling our emotions be able to recognise the needs of others. If we view colleagues with compassion and respect, we will improve our interactions and build strong working relationships. What would happen if we stopped making judgments and embraced a positive appraisal of our co-workers? If we saw difference as something valuable that could be harnessed and actually enhance our perception and understanding of those around us? Your vibe will always attract your tribe.

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
Anaïs Nin 

Secondly, all good relationships depend on open, honest communication . Whether you're sending emails or IMs, or meeting face-to-face or on video calls, the more effectively you communicate with those around you, the better you'll connect. It’s important to identify the nature of our relationships with others. What is it that we need and what do our colleagues need from us? Once we know the fundamentals of what we need we can be clear with communicating and better understanding each other’s requirements.

"Clarity and simplicity are the antidotes to complexity and uncertainty’"
General George Casey

Good people skills are essential.  How good are you at collaborating, communicating and managing challenge? People respond better to those who truly listen to what they have to say. By practicing active listening , you'll talk less and understand colleagues more and you’ll quickly become trustworthy and have more successful interactions. One key skill we can forget when listening is the power of a good question.  Active listening is engaging in what you hear, asking questions such as ‘What would you like to happen?’  How can I help you address that?  Shows you listen and you care.

"The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply."
Stephen Covey

Good people skills mean avoiding the bad people skills. Gossip and negativity can ruin any workplace relationships. If you're experiencing challenge with someone in your group, talk to them directly and kindly about the problem, be prepared to listen attentively and objectively. Gossiping or colluding with other colleagues will only aggravate the issues, accelerating mistrust and animosity. 

"A lot of problems in the world would disappear if we talked to each other instead of talking about each other."
Anonymous

Everyone wants to feel that their work is appreciated and to feel truly valued.  Genuinely complimenting the work and actions of those around you is a great way to build relationships.  Be honest, precise and authentic when delivering praise. Thank you or a gentle word of encouragement can make all the difference to someone’s day. These positive interactions can have a ripple effect and create a much happier and more successful workplace.

"Employees who report receiving recognition and praise within the last seven days show increased productivity…They’re just more engaged at work."
Tom Rath