Leaders are tasked with the important responsibility of building rapport and ensuring that team members are collaborating effectively with one another.
But what happens when the composition of your internal team, or that of your client, changes?
Personnel changes, which are inevitable, compel managers to shift to “onboard mode.” One of the most important steps in this process is to become familiar with not only the strengths and capabilities of new team members, but also who they are as individuals.
The first time you meet with a new colleague or client stakeholder is a great opportunity to “break the ice,” and establish a solid foundation for a successful long-term relationship.
I offer a few ways you can achieve this effectively with minimal effort:
Leverage LinkedIn
The world’s most popular professional networking platform is bound to host a profile of your new colleague or client counterpart.
I suggest paying special attention to the following sections of someone’s profile:
Interests
This is where users cite their professional and extracurricular interests, as well as people they follow. Here are mine:
Chances are you will find something interesting that you could choose to ask about at some point. For example, someone could ask me, “Hey, I notice you’re interested in Adam Grant’s work, what book of his would you recommend I read?”
Name Pronunciation
It is now possible for LinkedIn mobile users to record a brief sound clip of them pronouncing their name and upload it to their profile. Once someone has enabled this feature, a small “microphone” icon appears next to his or her name. All you have to do is click this icon to hear the correct pronunciation.
If you find the name unfamiliar, consider looking it up on Behindthename.com. I have a pretty uncommon name (at least by American standards), but this website provides both an accurate translation and some interesting insights:
Find One Current Event in Their Locale
Do a quick Google News search of the town/city where your new colleague or client stakeholder lives to see what is abuzz in their neck of the woods.
If you get the opportunity during your first call or team meet-up, bring up the current event and ask, “So what’s going on in ___ (their city) about _____ (topic)?
I have found that most folks respond enthusiastically to such questions and are impressed with my interest in (and knowledge of) their local community.
Following these quick guidelines have enabled me to build some great professional relationships with colleagues from many parts of the world.
Drop me a note to share tips or tricks that have resulted in similar benefits for you and your team.
