How to Maintain Strong Relationships Over the Phone
Maintaining strong relationships can be challenging, and the rise of remote work has made it even more difficult. Face-to-face interactions have been limited, leaving us with phone calls as the primary means of communication. However, building and maintaining strong relationships over the phone can be accomplished with some effort and a few strategies.
Be Present
Being present during a phone call is vital to maintaining a connection. Multitasking or having distractions can lead to misunderstandings and unintentional disrespect toward the person on the other end of the phone. Therefore, try to find a quiet place with no distractions to have the call. If that’s not possible, communicate this to the other person and attempt to set a time that is more suitable for both parties.
Use Active Listening
Active listening is vital to any conversation, especially over the phone. It’s much more difficult to read nonverbal cues, so you have to rely entirely on what the other person is saying. Therefore, listen carefully to their tone, their words, and the context of what they’re saying. Don’t interrupt or draw conclusions until they’ve had their say, and then acknowledge what they’ve said before responding.
Build Rapport
Building rapport is crucial to maintaining strong relationships, and the easiest way to do it is to find shared interests, opinions, or experiences. Be curious and ask them about their day, their work, or any other interests that you know they have. Knowing these details will help you personalize your conversation and create a stronger bond between the two of you.
Be Responsive
Often, we’re so focused on what we want to say that we don’t respond to what’s being said. Being responsive isn’t just agreeing or disagreeing; it’s actively engaging with what’s being said. Therefore, restate or paraphrase what the other person has said, ask follow-up questions, and respond with appropriate feedback or opinions. This will show that you’re actively engaged in the conversation, which is essential to maintaining strong relationships.
Summing Up
In conclusion, building and maintaining strong relationships over the phone requires presence, active listening, rapport building, and responsiveness. These strategies will set the foundation for a lasting relationship that transcends the medium used for communication. By being present, listening actively, building rapport, and being responsive, you can maintain a strong relationship, even if you can’t see the other person in person.
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