Understanding Rapport and why it`s important

Rapport is basically an emotional connection with other people.

Building rapport is the process of establishing that connection. It is usually based on shared experiences or views, including a shared sense of humour. Building rapport tends to be most important at the start of an acquaintanceship or relationship. The rapport created, however, can last for many years.

Why Does Rapport Matter?

Rapport is important in both our professional and personal lives.

Employers are more likely to employ somebody who they believe will get on well with their current staff.  Personal relationships are easier to make and develop when there is a closer connection and understanding between the parties involved – i.e. there is greater rapport.

When we first meet someone new, we start to try to build rapport. Like it or not, this is why small talk exists: it is a way to try to find things in common with other people and build that shared bond. This bond is important because we all have a tendency to want to be with ‘people like us’.

It is much easier to build rapport with someone who is very like you, or who shares a lot of your interests.

You have shared ground, and things to talk about. You also have a shared frame of reference. This makes both building a relationship, and communicating more generally, much easier.

3 Reasons why Rapport is important

Rapport is important for a few reasons. Let’s walk through three key reasons why you should invest in building rapport with others.

It establishes trust

Trust is a critical element of any long-lasting relationship. Without trust, it’s hard to maintain a meaningful and lasting relationship.

This is true for personal relationships but also for professional relationships. For example, if you’re looking to get promoted into a new management role, your boss needs to trust you. They need to trust that you’re going to do your job well. They need to understand your commitment to developing strong leadership characteristics.

Likewise for personal relationships, too. If you’re building a new friendship, you want to be able to trust your friend. In order to be vulnerable with a friend, you need to have established trust.

It can help improve your business performance

Depending on your career, your livelihood could depend on building rapport. And rapport can help you improve your performance at work.

Data shows that salespeople who spend more time building rapport perform better. Building rapport can be the difference-maker for performing well in your career.

It strengthens your social connections

Science tells us that social interactions are a critical part of overall health, happiness, and longevity. But strong social connections simply aren’t possible without some element of rapport.

If you don’t invest in your social health, your physical health can actually suffer. In fact, data tells us that folk with low social connections experience more chronic diseases, like cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, and high blood pressure.

It can also lead to increased mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Low social and emotional health also increases risk factors for health problems. Loneliness can make you more likely to suffer from stress, inflammation, and even high blood sugar.