15 Habits that could be hurting your business relationships

Business relationships don’t usually sour over one major mistake. More often, small habits slowly erode trust and add up to patterns. One missed deadline, one unanswered message, or one overblown promise or failure to listen can ultimately change the way another professional sees you.

15 Habits to be wary of:

1. “Do what you say you’re doing. Do it as well as you can.

2. Do not make too many promises. And you can’t bet on high-flown promises unless they are bankable.

3. Not answering messages. Silence brings doubts that are not good.

4. No preparations. But it is good to respect others’ time.

5. Always interrupting. Listening is a communication skill of professionals.

6. Always taking the blame. It’s got to be a two-way street.

7. Acknowledge the work of others Identify with pride.

8. Blames others too quickly Confidence is built by accountability, not alibis.

9. Gossip People may wonder what you say about them behind their back.

10. No reason for negative. Constant criticism can ruin constructive relationships.

11. Losing track of what matters. Remembering things like commitments and preferences shows you are attentive.

12. Junior staff as second-class citizens. Respect for the profession should not depend on status.

13. Only call people when you need something. Relationships require effort.

14. Not wanting to take constructive criticism. Defensive reactions can stop honest communication.

15. No thank you. Gratitude is a cheap virtue, but a great price.

These habits aren’t hard, but they’re important because business is very trust-dependent. A recent discussion of the topic reiterates the importance of follow-through and realistic promises as the basis of professional relationships.

Great relationships are built on consistency. People notice when you keep your promises, respect their time, listen to their concerns, and treat them fairly. A professional’s credibility is built on hundreds of little meetings, not one big meeting.