Optimizing Greatness: How to Build a Best-in-Class College Career Center By Richard Orbé-Austin, PhD Key takeaway: A best-in-class college career center functions as a career education hub grounded in partnerships, assessment, innovation, professional development, and sustainable funding. A best-in-class college career center no longer operates as a quiet corner for résumé reviews and job listings. Today, these centers are dynamic…
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Featured Snippet: Building office relationships and learning to seek advice at work are essential to career success. When you nurture workplace friendships, find trusted allies, and engage with colleagues openly, you build a supportive network that enhances performance, confidence, and fulfillment.
The importance of office relationships cannot be overstated. While the August jobs report may have dominated headlines, two New York Times articles caught my attention for a different reason. One explored the decline of workplace friendships, while the other examined the value of seeking advice at work. These topics highlight how vital connection and communication are for professional growth.
If you are friendly with your colleagues, it becomes easier to seek their advice and build strong office relationships. In my earlier post about the importance of networking for career advancement, I discussed how professional connections drive success. Today, let’s explore how meaningful relationships within your own organization can transform your experience and trajectory at work.
Although many of us rely on digital tools to stay connected, research shows that most professionals still struggle with isolation. As a psychologist and executive coach, I often ask clients to name colleagues they trust for advice. Many find it difficult. Without these relationships, employees miss opportunities to learn the unspoken norms and navigate complex dynamics at work.
Whether you are starting out or leading teams, developing healthy office relationships is key to engagement and growth. Below are three actionable tips for building workplace friendships, finding allies, and seeking advice effectively.
Studies reveal that employees with strong office relationships and workplace friendships are more engaged, innovative, and loyal. Gallup found that people with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged. These bonds reduce stress and increase motivation, especially in hybrid environments where informal connection is harder to build.
Office relationships foster psychological safety—a culture of trust where people can share ideas, give feedback, and take creative risks. This foundation leads to collaboration, innovation, and long-term satisfaction.
To further understand how work environments shape behavior, visit our post Imposter Triggering Work Cultures and How to Care for Yourself.
Your assigned duties are just one part of your role. Another critical aspect is to cultivate meaningful office relationships that can offer perspective, support, and collaboration. Networking within your company is as valuable as networking externally.
To strengthen your office relationships, make connection a regular practice. Invite a colleague to lunch, join a virtual coffee chat, or participate in team-building activities. Even short conversations help build trust and familiarity.
Engaging in after-work gatherings or department events is another way to deepen workplace friendships and show genuine interest in your colleagues as people—not just co-workers.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), social committees, and volunteer teams create space to meet like-minded peers and strengthen professional relationships at work. These groups allow you to contribute to a shared cause while expanding your internal network.
Related reading: How to End Toxic Workplaces
Allies are vital to maintaining healthy office relationships. They advocate for you when you are not in the room, provide guidance, and help you navigate challenges. Building alliances requires authenticity, patience, and mutual respect.
Seek out people who demonstrate integrity, collaboration, and empathy. These individuals often form the foundation of your trusted network. Be consistent in showing appreciation, offering help, and following through on commitments. Genuine interest builds lasting workplace relationships.
In my coaching work, I’ve seen how clients thrive when they find even one trusted ally. Focus on gradual relationship-building rather than instant results.
Not every attempt at connection will succeed. Some colleagues may be too busy or uninterested. Stay patient and remember that developing strong office relationships is a long-term process. Every small effort contributes to a more supportive professional community.
Explore how personal connection influences confidence in our post A Process for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The 3 C’s Model.
Asking for advice is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your office relationships. It demonstrates humility, curiosity, and respect for others’ expertise. Yet, many employees avoid it out of fear of appearing weak.
When you seek feedback, you send a signal that you’re invested in doing great work. A Harvard Business Review study found that employees who seek advice are perceived as more competent—not less. Specific questions like, “Can I get your thoughts on how to improve this client presentation?” encourage detailed, actionable responses.
These interactions deepen workplace friendships and mutual trust. They also reinforce your image as someone open to growth and collaboration.
Once you receive advice, express appreciation and share how you’ve applied it. Following through shows maturity and respect. Consistently valuing others’ input enhances office relationships and professional reputation.
Thanking colleagues for their insights—even when you choose another path—strengthens trust and goodwill across teams.
Developing strong office relationships is an investment in your future success. Supportive professional networks protect against burnout, boost engagement, and increase overall well-being.
By being proactive—checking in with colleagues, offering help, and asking for guidance—you create a culture of reciprocity that benefits everyone.
For more strategies on maintaining a balanced career, see Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome.
Building and nurturing office relationships are crucial for engagement, satisfaction, and advancement. When you combine friendship, trust, and the courage to seek advice, you not only enhance your professional life but also create a supportive community that sustains you through challenges and successes.
The office relationships you build today will become the foundation of your future opportunities. Make connection a priority—it’s one of the smartest career moves you can make.
Start small—say hello to a colleague, participate in a short chat, or join an affinity group. Building office relationships gradually can feel authentic and less overwhelming.
Frame your questions as curiosity-driven: “I’d love your input on improving this workflow,” rather than “I don’t know what to do.” This approach makes advice-seeking part of your professional growth.
Even in competitive environments, look for supportive peers, mentors, or micro-communities. Positive office relationships can exist in small, trusted circles.
About Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin
Dr. Richard Orbé-Austin is a psychologist, executive coach, and co-author of Own Your Greatness and Your Unstoppable Greatness. As a partner at Dynamic Transitions Psychological Consulting LLP, he helps professionals develop confidence and authentic leadership through stronger office relationships. Connect with him on LinkedIn.