Relationships Are Everything
We've all heard the phrase "Relationships are Everything", but have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? Or better yet have you asked yourself why you don't cultivate relationships at a deeper more meaningful level?
It has also been said that your "network is your net worth". But if you approach your relationships hoping to increase your net income you'll most likely only increase the size of your contact list.
The theme of this week for me personally has been around the word "relationship" and what it means in a personal and professional environment. This has also been spurred on by a McKinsey article entitled The Boss Factor and a book I've dove deep into entitled What You Do Is Who You Are. Both the article and the book address what it means to develop relationships at a deeper level and how to build a strong culture.
What I've realized is that the reason relationships are key is that they provide you with an opportunity to be of service to someone else - partners, employees, children, community, managers, bosses, clients...
Here's three tips to help you build better relationships
Seek to add value because it's the right thing to do, not because of the reciprocal value. Take a sincere interest in the other party. Learn what's important to them and find opportunities to add value in those areas.
Check-in on your people. Don't expect them to check-in on you. Initiate the contact. This shows others you are thinking of them and that they are important in your eyes.
Maintain your relationships - treat them with respect and trust. Hold them sacred. Protect them at all costs.
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”– Dale Carnegie
"We all need somebody to lean on" - Bill Withers