Partnerships are a fundamental part of the business world. In the workplace, they rely on everyone — employers, managers and employees — working together for the benefit of the organization.

Because relationships in today’s workplace are constantly changing, partnerships can be difficult to build and sustain. But when they’re collaborative at the core, partnerships can help promote innovation and facilitate positive change.

When trying to build and sustain partnerships with team members, consider:

• Approachability. It’s a two-way street. When working to strengthen a partnership, find a common point of interest. It’s essential to every conversation and interaction. After all, approachability is a function of comfort.
• Dialogue. Meaningful dialogue is an exchange of ideas that helps you discover what’s on a person’s mind. Active, effective listening is the foundation of effective communication. When collaborating with others, practice active listening. 
• Focus. Whether in a group or one-on-one, focus intently on your companions in order to fully understand them. You should be able to reflect what they’ve said in your own words — not necessarily to show you agree, but that you care about what they’re saying.
• Connection. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. You develop credibility with people through connections. To forge solid partnerships with people, you need to show them you genuinely want to help.
• Style. When building partnerships, try to adapt to the other’s style. Ask questions. Focus on whether they’re goal-driven or relationship-driven. Are they seeking general or specific information? Are they outgoing or reserved? Follow their pace.
• Commitment. Inability to make and honor commitments destroys partnerships. All commitments are important, so keep your calendar current and don’t over-commit. Be on time, “in the moment” — and careful what you agree to. Most importantly, communicate delays ahead of time.
  

Everybody benefits from effective workplace partnerships. They help build a cohesive workplace culture, boost employee engagement, expand workplace processes and keep morale high. Through shared decision-making, innovation is stimulated, productivity grows, service improves and issues between parties become easier to resolve.