How can you build a work environment that is both productive and enjoyable? Focus on what you can do to foster strong personal relationships. Looking inward and developing the following characteristics will, in turn, help you build relationships with your team members so they’ll feel respected, heard, and confident. 

• Benevolence. Have the other person’s best interest at heart.
• Curiosity. Be sincerely interested in learning about others.
• Empathy. Make a genuine effort to understand and respect others’ experiences and points of view.
• Vulnerability. Be willing to share your own weaknesses, struggles, and failures.
• Honesty. Demonstrate integrity and openness in your words and actions.
• Grace. Normalize mistakes as part of the learning process.
• Support. Have the other person’s back when projects or events veer off course.
• Patience. Recognize that career development takes time and success doesn’t always follow a straight line.

For more advice, read “It’s the Relationship, Stupid.”