Are You Good at Building Rapport? [Self-Assessment Test]

Building rapport is a key skill for you to excel in the workplace.

Rapport refers to the ability to form a connection or a relationship with someone else. It is the foundation of all positive human interactions, and it plays an integral role in both personal and professional relationships.

In the workplace, building rapport is paramount for creating a positive and healthy environment where co-workers can collaborate effectively.

Why is building rapport important in the workplace?

The answer is simple: it helps people work better together.

When individuals are able to create rapport with each other, they are better equipped to work towards a common goal. Workers who are able to build rapport with their colleagues can effectively communicate and coordinate their efforts, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. Furthermore, having positive relationships with co-workers has been linked to better job satisfaction and higher levels of productivity.

Here’s an example of how building rapport can enhance workplace communication.

Let’s say you are working on a project with a colleague who you do not know very well.

You have a disagreement over a certain aspect of the project, and tensions begin to run high between the two of you. However, if you have already built rapport with your colleague, you may be able to approach them in a more open and collaborative manner. This can lead to a more constructive conversation where you are both able to contribute your ideas and find a solution that works for both of you.

If you want to know how good you are at building rapport, take this self-assessment test.

This assessment will help you evaluate your current level of rapport-building skills, and provide tips and strategies to help you improve them.

By taking this self-assessment, you will gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses in this area, and be able to take steps to enhance your skills and improve your relationships in the workplace.

Self Assessment Test

To conduct the self-assessment, simply answer all questions, and click the calculate results button at the end.

Interpreting Your Results

0 - 20 Points

You scored between 0-20 points out of 60, which suggests that building rapport may not be your strongest suit. It is important to remember that building rapport is not only about being friendly but also about being empathetic and understanding others’ perspectives. You may want to practice active listening, asking open-ended questions, and finding common ground with others. Observing social cues and making small talk can also be helpful in building rapport.

21 - 40 Points

You scored between 21-40 points out of 60, which suggests that while you may have some rapport-building skills, there may be room for improvement. To further improve your skills, you may want to focus on being more genuine in your interactions, showing interest in others, and avoiding interrupting them. Using positive language, expressing gratitude, and being mindful of body language can also positively impact building rapport.

41 - 60 Points

You scored between 41-60 points out of 60, which suggests you have good rapport-building skills. You are able to connect with others on a deeper level and establish trust and understanding. You likely use active listening, empathy, and other communication skills to help others feel comfortable and valued. Keep up the great work and continue to practice your skills to further improve your relational abilities.

5 Quick Tips to Build Your Rapport Skills

Building rapport is the process of establishing a sense of connection and trust with others. This is a critical skill in many aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings. If you have just completed a self-assessment of your rapport-building skills, and you’re looking for ways to improve, then this section is for you. The following are five tips that you can use to become better at building rapport with others:

1. Practice Active Listening

Active listening is the key to building rapport. You need to pay attention and show genuine interest in what the other person is saying. This means focusing on their words, body language, and tone of voice. When you actively listen, the other person feels heard and validated, which creates trust and connection. To practice active listening, eliminate distractions, maintain eye contact, and ask clarifying questions.

2. Use Mirroring

Mirroring is a powerful technique used to build rapport. It involves matching the other person’s body language, tone of voice, and pace of speech. When you mirror, the other person feels like you understand them on a deeper level. Be mindful not to mimic them, but instead, subtly match their communication style to establish a connection.

3. Find Common Ground

Finding common ground is an effective way to establish rapport with others. You can identify shared interests or experiences, or ask open-ended questions to uncover similarities. You need to be genuine in your efforts to find common ground, as people can tell whether you are faking it. When you find common ground, the other person feels that you have something in common, which creates a positive impression.

4. Show Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an essential component of building rapport because it lets the other person know that you value their emotions. To show empathy, acknowledge their perspective and emotions, and use phrases such as “I understand” and “That must have been difficult for you.” When you show empathy, the other person feels that you care, which builds trust.

5. Be Authentic

Finally, be yourself. Authenticity is crucial in building rapport because people can sense when you’re being insincere. Be honest about your intentions, and don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. When you are authentic, the other person feels that you are genuine, and they can trust you more easily.

In conclusion, building rapport is a vital skill that can help you connect with others and achieve your goals. To become better at it, you need to practice active listening, use mirroring, find common ground, show empathy, and be authentic. By using these five tips, you can improve your rapport-building skills and establish meaningful connections with others.

Do you have a growth mindset? Find out with our self-assessment test!