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Building Rapport
from the MPI Potomac Leadership Committee
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
– Sir Richard Branson
Merriam-Webster’s definition of rapport is "a friendly, harmonious relationship characterized by agreement, mutual understanding or empathy that makes communication possible or easy."
The global pandemic has changed us all. So how does building rapport apply to our current environment? Many colleagues and peers are remote, some for the first time. Others have started a new job in the midst of the pandemic and have never met any of their co-workers in person. And then, a large majority are returning to work either full-time or on a "hybrid" schedule. Leaders, and honestly all of us, play a part in getting to know our associates, colleagues and peers.
The MPI Potomac Leadership Committee would like to suggest three ways to build rapport:
1. Challenge yourself to actively engage and really practice building rapport in your daily life.
2. Share a meal. Studies show that "breaking bread" together produces oxytocin, a feel-good hormone that is associated with empathy, trust and relationship-building.
3. Show up in the right way! Don’t let your fears, excitement, anxiety or doubt get in the way. Be fully present and make it an unmatched experience and a relationship where the person feels heard, seen and understood.
For more information on how to build rapport, check out this course from MPI Academy:
If you have leadership stories to share, or want to get involved, please connect with us:
Leila Beltramo, MPI Potomac Board Director, Leadership and DE&I: lbeltramo@visitmontgomery.com
Ronda Keys, MPI Potomac Leadership Committee Co-Chair: rkeys@inspiredeventpro.com
Article edited by Carolyn A. Patterson-Kemper, CMP, DES, MPI Potomac Leadership Committee member.
