Over the years, I’ve realized that technical skills, experience, and problem-solving ability are only part of what makes someone successful. One thing that keeps coming up in job interviews, and in my own career, is how important it is to build genuine relationships with the people you work with. It’s easy to get caught up in projects, deadlines, and deliverables, but the human side often has a much bigger impact than we realize.
Getting to Know the People You Work With
Whether you’re working with a co-worker, a contractor, or even a student, taking a little time to understand their journey can completely change how you work together. I like to ask myself, what kind of week are they having, what challenges might be affecting their focus or energy, and what drives them in the long run. These are not questions you’ll find on a project plan, but they make a huge difference in collaboration.
When you take the time to understand what’s happening in someone’s life or career, patterns start to emerge. Maybe a contractor is slower on a task because of personal challenges. Maybe a student is struggling because they’re uncertain or afraid of failing. Recognizing these human variables lets you respond with compassion instead of frustration. That compassion is not just about being nice, it often leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Why Trust Matters
When I started teaching, I learned early on that relationships are everything. You can have the most well-planned lesson, but if students don’t feel seen or understood, they tune out. The same goes in the workplace. Taking a few minutes to connect, asking how someone’s week is going, or listening when they share a challenge can build trust that carries over into every project.
Trust creates a space where people feel comfortable communicating openly. They are more likely to ask for help, share insights, and collaborate without fear of judgment. Even small gestures, a simple check-in, a word of encouragement, or remembering something from a previous conversation, go a long way. These connections make work smoother and more enjoyable.
Noticing the Ups and Downs
Everyone goes through ups and downs, and work is no exception. I’ve seen highly skilled people have rough weeks or months, and it completely changes how they perform. When you have a relationship with someone, you’re more likely to notice shifts in mood, energy, or work ethic. That allows you to offer support, adjust expectations, or provide guidance in a way that respects their situation. Ignoring these human variables often leads to frustration, miscommunication, or missed opportunities.
Why Empathy Makes You Better at Your Job
Empathy is a skill you can develop, and it makes a huge difference. When you consider someone else’s perspective, you start to understand why they make certain choices. Maybe a co-worker approaches a problem differently than you would. Maybe a student struggles with a concept that seems simple to you. Taking a step back and seeing things from their point of view helps you respond thoughtfully instead of reactively.
Empathy does not slow progress, it actually accelerates it. People respond positively when they feel understood, and teams with high empathy tend to work more efficiently. There is less conflict, more collaboration, and the work environment becomes healthier and more enjoyable.
Small Habits That Build Big Connections
Building relationships does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, consistent efforts make the biggest difference. Asking a simple “How’s your day going?” or sharing a personal story can start a meaningful conversation. Remembering details about someone’s life, checking in on their progress, or celebrating small wins all contribute to stronger connections.
Even in woodworking or engineering projects, I find that taking time to understand the people I work with helps me deliver better results. I know what motivates them, how they approach challenges, and how to communicate ideas effectively. Those connections create a positive cycle, better relationships lead to better collaboration, which leads to better outcomes for everyone.
Making Work About People
Work is more than tasks and deadlines. It’s about the people you work with and how you connect with them. Taking the time to understand the human side, notice changes in motivation or mood, and respond with empathy can make a lasting difference not just in your work, but in the lives of the people around you. The strongest teams, the most successful projects, and the most rewarding careers are built on relationships. When you take the time to really get to know people, you gain insights that no project plan or spreadsheet ever could.