The relationship between the UK and the US, traditionally great allies, has been a bit on the shakier side of late. But it remains in everyone’s best interest for the so called “special relationship” between the two nations to continue and King Charles is currently undertaking a state visit to promote diplomacy and cooperation. While it may be that the UK and the US will not be able to reach agreement on every matter of contention, promoting good relations is nevertheless a worthwhile endeavour in terms of shoring up the alliance going forward and allowing the two countries to work together in the future. Working relationships between a business, their clients and their suppliers is also something that is worth working on, as are internal relationships. Cementing good relations can be the difference between successful ongoing collaboration and, in the worst case, the complete dissolution of a once great partnership.
Selecting representatives
In terms of fostering good relationships, choosing ambassadors wisely is key. Consider what the company’s core values are and look for employees who embody those values. In addition to buying in to the company’s values, to be a good representative of the company, the individual must also have strong interpersonal skills. While these are often innate, it is possible to help people hone these skills with relevant training courses, such as those aimed at helping people learn how to better network or to resolve disputes.
Concentrate on training managers and more senior members of staff in the first instance. They will have more day-to-day responsibility for managing staff interactions and are more likely to be dealing with clients and suppliers and can put their new skills to work straightaway. Having good role models in senior positions helps to set the tone for the rest of the workforce, allows them to lead by example and encourages junior staff to model the same behaviours.
Setting the scene
With both employees and clients, taking the time to organise social events away from work can help to strengthen relationships. This may be an annual party, a trip to the races or a lunch out. Whatever the event, it allows people to let their hair down and to interact in a more relaxed environment where the focus isn’t solely on work. With external parties such as clients, bear in mind that there is a limit to the hospitality that can be shown to them and going over and above what is reasonable could result in the company falling foul of the Bribery Act.
Staying open
Finally, it is important to listen to any concerns that customers and employees may have with an open mind and to be curious about how they would like to see issues resolved. Encourage staff to be proactive in raising and responding to concerns. Conducting regular appraisals with employees helps them understand how they are progressing and provides a forum in which any concerns or requests can be raised. The same goes for customers, check in with them often and seek feedback on what the company is doing well and what it could perhaps be doing better.
Fostering good relations internally and externally helps a business to flourish, to avoid excessive conflict and, should conflict arise, puts everyone in a better position to resolve it quickly and painlessly, resulting, ideally, in a long and prosperous partnership that benefits all parties.
