Making Real Connections

Relationships built on trust matter.

Deep and meaningful interpersonal connections at work are critical to your career—and to your well-being. Bonds built on trust allow women to help one another, exchange information, and be more productive. But high-quality professional relationships are only possible with emotional openness—and not all women feel they can be vulnerable enough in the office to develop these kinds of ties.

Making Real Connections explores the many ways that our working relationships with other women are usually amazing—and sometimes messy. This book will inspire you to: find more authentic ways to grow your network; seek out a sponsor—or become one; get the most out of professional conferences; enjoy the rewards of having real friends at work; navigate problems when work relationships become draining; and connect in ways that are more natural, less transactional.

The HBR Women at Work series spotlights the real challenges and opportunities women experience throughout their careers. With interviews from the popular podcast of the same name and related articles, stories, and research, these books provide inspiration and advice for taking on topics at work like inequity, advancement, and building community. Featuring detailed discussion guides, this series will help you spark important conversations about where we're at and how to move forward.