Relationship Currency for Career Growth

In the fast-paced world of project management, success isn't just about what you know, but also who you know, and how you treat people.

Building strong relationships is essential for navigating complex projects and achieving your career goals. Just like any other investment, building relationship currency requires time, effort, and strategic thinking. So, how can you effectively invest in the currency of relationships to propel your professional journey forward?

Let's explore some key strategies:

1. Be Genuine: Authenticity forms the bedrock of meaningful relationships. People can sense when you're being genuine, so strive to be authentic in your interactions. Show a sincere interest in others, listen attentively, and seek to understand their perspectives. Building connections based on mutual respect and authenticity lays the foundation for long-lasting relationships. People will remember how you treated them as a project manager on their projects.

2. Communicate Effectively: Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful relationships. Develop strong communication skills by actively listening, articulating your thoughts clearly, and being responsive to others' needs. Whether it's through face-to-face conversations, emails, or virtual meetings, prioritize clear and open communication to foster strong connections. In times of stress, it is important to be very self-aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication. Any negative interactions can decrease the "capital" of your relationship currency with a person or a group.

3. Offer Value: Relationships thrive when there is a mutual exchange of value. Look for opportunities to add value to others' lives, whether through sharing insights, offering assistance, or making introductions. By being generous with your time and expertise, you position yourself as a valuable and trustworthy ally in your professional network. Offering value for project managers can include career referrals, offering coaching assistance, being a confidential listener when a team member is having a difficult time, or going above and beyond when someone needs help.

4. Maintain Consistency: Consistency breeds trust and reliability in relationships. Follow through on your commitments, be consistent in your actions, and demonstrate reliability over time. Consistent behavior builds confidence in your reliability and strengthens the bonds you share with others. Consistency in your interactions slowly builds the "currency" in your relationship bank.

5. Show Appreciation: Gratitude goes a long way in nurturing relationships. Take the time to express appreciation for the people in your network, company, or team, whether it's through a heartfelt thank-you note, a small gesture of kindness, or a celebratory message for their achievements. Showing genuine appreciation reinforces the value you place on your relationships and fosters a sense of mutual respect and admiration.

Investing in the currency of relationships is an ongoing journey that requires dedication and intentionality. By prioritizing authenticity, effective communication, value creation, consistency, and appreciation, you can cultivate a robust network of meaningful connections that will support you throughout your professional journey. Remember, building strong relationships is not just about what you can gain, but also about the value you can create and the impact you can make in the lives of others. So, invest wisely, nurture your connections, and watch as they become invaluable assets in your career arsenal.