I used to struggle a lot with building relationships in the workplace because I didn’t like the idea of being superficial just to get ahead. But what I learned is that having no interaction is more damaging than the attempt to purposefully engage with those you see every day.

Getting to know employees beyond surface-level interaction is one of the smartest and most strategic moves you can make. There is no greater threat to your competitors than having loyal and engaged employees. Engaged employees are devoted to the overall objectives presented by leadership, a leadership team they trust and believe in. If they don’t know you, it’s not likely they will produce with the same level of enthusiasm and vigor necessary to reach remain competitive.

Here are a few tips on strategically building valuable relationships in the workplace.

Cut the phony act.

When I encounter someone being phony, I am totally turned off. Most people can tell when you’re not really interested in getting to know them, and even if they say nothing, trust me they are insulted, and you will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Try inquiring more deeply when you ask, “how are you doing” or “how is the family”. Actively listen and remember what is happening in their lives. If it is important to them, it should be important to you, because you want them to bring their whole self to work and respecting what is happening in their life is necessary for them to feel like a real person who is valued rather than a machine simply hired to produce.

Respect is earned.

You will need to be part of the team, fall on the sword for the team if necessary, and pick up slack for your colleagues when needed. Respect is a big deal and it is only earned by actions, not words. If you’re trying to climb that corporate ladder, those you have worked with need to respect you. They are your advocates and you need them to be able to get things done. Handing out blame doesn’t make you look good; it creates a toxic work environment filled with employees who will tolerate you only until they find a better job.

Limit your emails.

Of course, email is the best way to communicate when you need a paper trail or to CYA (cover your assets), but it is not the most influential way to lead. Phone calls, virtual meetings, and face-to-face interaction are the best ways to get employees to become more engaged and feel heard at work. Sensitive issues cannot be handled via email. If you are just a name in an inbox, you can’t be impactful or build trust with colleagues because they have no emotional interaction with you. They can’t possibly have a positive perception about who you will be as a leader, because all they know is the computer version of you.

To get your employees to become more engaged and motivated in the workplace they need to feel human! You need the intellect they have, which sparks creativity and welcomes new ideas that will keep the business sustainable. When we limit employees to processes and don’t allow them to be creative and deviate from those norms, we are not really getting a return on investment, we are simply borrowing robots until they burn out and leave.