You’ve heard it a million times: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” It might be overused, but it’s 100% true. No matter how much you know or how skilled you are, the relationships you build will be what really moves you forward in your career. The secret to workplace success? It’s all about people.

Humans Are Wired for Connection—Let’s Use That

We’re social creatures by nature. We thrive in teams, bounce ideas off each other, and solve problems better together. Trying to do everything alone at work is just going to burn you out. When you build solid relationships, you create a team you can rely on—and work becomes more fun and productive.

Teams that trust each other are more creative, handle challenges better, and even survive office drama (and broken coffee machines) with a sense of humor. The bonus? You’ll actually enjoy coming to work.

Relationships Are the Key to Success

In the business world, relationships aren’t just a “nice to have”—they’re essential. Sure, being good at your job is important, but if you can’t connect with others, your skills will only take you so far.

Think about it: Would you rather work with someone who’s super smart but impossible to get along with, or someone who’s a great teammate, even if they don’t know everything? (I’m betting you picked the second one.)

When you build relationships, people trust you, support your ideas, and forgive you for that coffee spill (again). Relationships unlock doors that skills alone can’t.

How to Build Strong Relationships Without Being Pushy

So, how do you build relationships without being that over-eager coworker? Here are a few ways to keep it natural:

1. Be Real: People know when you’re being genuine. Take a real interest in others—ask questions, listen, and show you care about them, not just what they can do for you. Ferrazzi in Never Eat Alone says the best connections are built on real, mutual support.
2. Listen (For Real!): Don’t just wait for your turn to talk—really listen. If you’re looking to enhance listening skills in both personal and professional contexts, Just Listen by Mark Goulston is a friendly and actionable guide.
3. Help Out, No Strings Attached: The best way to build trust? Offer to help, no strings attached. It shows you’re in it for the team, not just yourself.
4. Show Some Love for Their Skills: Notice others’ contributions and unique skills—it goes a long way. Beaudine’s The Power of Who notes that people remember those who recognize and value their strengths.
5. Respect Their Space: People need space—don’t cross boundaries. No one wants that 11 PM text about tomorrow’s meeting.
6. Celebrate Wins Together: Celebrating successes as a team makes work more fun and builds camaraderie. As Sinek says in Leaders Eat Last, a little appreciation goes a long way. Plus, who doesn’t love a reason to grab cake?

Helping Your Team Build Partnerships

Building relationships as an individual is great, but you’ll get even further if you help your whole team cultivate partnerships. Here’s how:

1. Break Down Silos: Get teams from different areas working together for fresh perspectives and big ideas. As Sinek highlights in Leaders Eat Last, trust between teams drives success and makes work feel meaningful.
2. Encourage Open Feedback: Make feedback normal and safe. People who feel heard are more likely to trust each other and work through challenges as a team. Lencioni in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team shows that open feedback can stop small issues from becoming big problems.
3. Focus on Shared Goals: Make sure your team understands the big picture and how they all contribute. When everyone’s working toward the same goal, they’ll naturally form stronger partnerships.
4. Foster Social Bonds: Strong connections are the foundation of effective partnerships. Give teams a chance to connect on a personal level—it’s easier to work with people you genuinely like and trust. Whether it’s a casual lunch or after-work drinks, these social moments build trust.
5. Celebrate Teamwork: Recognize teams that work well together! It’s motivating and encourages others to value teamwork too.

Conclusion: Business is All About People

At the end of the day, it’s not just about what you do—it’s about who you do it with. Building solid relationships makes work easier, more fun, and helps you go further. So next time someone says, “It’s who you know,” smile—you’re already one step ahead.