Reconnect and Rebuild old Relationships, easily

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Johncey George, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

How often do you keep in touch with your old colleagues? Do you think it is important to keep in touch?

It definitely is important. Why?

It helps maintain the relationship that you had built. If in the future you or someone in your organization need help, it becomes easier for you to connect if the relationship is active.

People move organizations during their career. Having contacts can help with job hunts.

Ex-colleagues can help you with recommendations or references.

Allow me to share some tips with you on how to stay connected with them.

When someone leaves an organization (or when you leave an organization) and says goodbye to colleagues, ask them a question.

“Are you okay with us staying connected with you and having the occasional chat or calls once in a while?”

Basically, you take prior permission. This makes it easier for even an Introvert to connect later and initiate a conversation.

The 2nd easier way to stay connected comes in the form of social media interaction. When they post something on social media and if you resonate with those posts, you may like, share, positively comment on the post and engage with them. This is a new way of “keeping in touch”. Having said that, personally connecting over a phone call or meeting in person ranks above this. But social media interaction is an easier way to get started, especially for an Introvert like me.

If you are reconnecting with someone after a long gap and find it difficult to initiate a conversation, here is a tip.

Research further about the person. Have they got promoted or had a significant accomplishment? Start with a congratulatory message. You can also share information or articles useful for them.

Be open and admit – "I haven’t been in touch with many ex-colleagues. I am trying to reconnect with all. Hence, I wanted to reach out to you too.

If you need immediate help, you can say: “I know it might sound weird that I am asking this completely out of the blue.” Or “I feel embarrassed asking you for this help. But if you are alright with it, can I request some help?” By saying this, and if you get a Yes as an answer, psychologically you have won that war!

Go ahead and start reconnecting!

As a Leadership Coach for Introvert Professionals, I help them fast-track their career to Senior leadership roles helping them with Personalized Coaching. Reach out to me (Johncey George) to know more.