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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Fostering peer relationships
Recently in this column, we have explored ways that managers can enhance relationships with key people and why that is important. As a boss, it is easy to see how good relationships with your subordinates can affect productivity. As a subordinate, it is also easy to see that making yourself as indispensable as possible to your boss is important.
Good peer relationships, however, are equally important, but for more subtle reasons. And that is why they are often unfortunately overlooked. This column describes why these relationships are important and suggests ways of fostering relationships with your peers.
WHY CULTIVATE PEER RELATIONSHIPS? One obvious reason is that the work flow probably depends on it. Unless yours is a vertically integrated operation, the work your people are responsible for originates elsewhere in the company. When others do their part elsewhere, it positively affects your shop and the rest of the work flow.
In addition, if you want to be in the information loop, you need good peer relationships. Furthermore, if you need help with human resource issues, computer upgrades, product distribution, and all the other items that doing a good job in your shop requires, relationships with your peers in those areas can mean quick and dependable help, help that is slow and unreliable, or no help at all. It is all up to you.
IDENTIFY KEY PEERS. Entertain the idea that you cannot operate in a vacuum and act on the implications for your particular circumstances. This means that you should identify and cultivate the peers that are key. Chances are that you know who they are, so make sure they know who you are and that you appreciate them-early and often.
Stop by for informal chats or coffee once in a while just to see what is up and to get to know these peers and their concerns. This does not mean that you have to like them all. It does not mean that they all have to be your buddies. However, it does mean that you all need cordial and cooperative relationships, so why not make the first move?
BE HELPFUL. Notice when you can be of assistance to people you work with. Do they need help? Pitch in gladly. Loan that piece of equipment, or have one of your people fill in during a busy time. Have you read an article in a professional journal that you think would interest them? Pass it along.
BE DEPENDABLE. When you say you are going to do something, do it. Be on time for meetings, meet deadlines you have agreed to, and share important information with the other person.
Act as if you are always in a cross-functional teamwork situation-because you are, whether it is formalized or not. This means using your best negotiating skills, accepting criticism from others in a nondefensive way, and compromising when required. It also means pulling your own weight and not making unreasonable demands on others. And, it means always giving credit where credit is due.
ENJOY YOUR JOB. Enjoy your job, your work, the company, and the people you work with. Everyone has a complaint once in a while, and peers are the most likely, receptive audience for hearing them. However, chronic griping quickly gets old and can eventually cause people to avoid you. So, keep a positive outlook and share it.
AVOID GOSSIPING. Like complaining, gossiping easily gets out of hand. You may find it interesting and intriguing. You may also enjoy having the reputation for being in the know that sometimes accompanies talking about other people. However, as with complaining, it can easily backfire. You could find yourself the subject of the latest juicy tidbit or isolated because others have learned to avoid being your victims.
KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE. Finally, keep this reality in mind-tomorrow you may be reporting to someone who is your peer today. So, treat everyone among your peer group equally and with respect. If you have worked hard to cultivate relationships with all of your peers, you will be ahead no matter who is promoted. A good peer relationship can be the best foundation for a boss-subordinate relationship that you could ever hope for.
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