As with everything in life, relationships are important. These can be professional, collegial, casual or anything in between. They may be good, bad, strong or weak, depending on the time, effort and energy you're are willing to expend. One thing to note, is that good relationships make life easier, so it's in your best interest to built and maintain them, despite the initial effort.

The type of relationship you form will be entirely dependent on what you need from the individual, or indeed, group of individuals. The way in which you build rapport with a student will vary to the comradeship you establish with your colleagues – particularly those closest to your area of expertise. The following few chapters will look at relationships, their functions and what you can do to build and maintain them.