Relationships, first & foremost!

It can be said that there are really only two important things in life: people and relationships. Businesses, families, churches, non-profit organizations alike are all based on people and relationships. Society itself is built upon providing services or products for people. As people we are drawn to other people we enjoy or who have common interests and we develop those relationships. People naturally want to be around people they like and enjoy. Who do you turn to for advice and mentoring?  The person with great skills but is unapproachable, or the person with strong relationships?  As people we gravitate to those who are approachable and kind.  Business is all about people forming relationships for common purposes.

As a manager, it is much easier to lead your staff when you are approachable.  When others know you care about them personally and have their best interest in mind, they are more willing to come to your aid and modify their behavior to achieve a group goal. Think about managing volunteers.  What is the leverage a manager has with volunteers?  Volunteers come together and work hard to meet goals for a common purpose.  Find the common ground of interest; build relationships on the common ground. Celebrate diversity and accept the differences in people.  Seek out the common interests, the shared goals and build relationships on the shared elements.  People are motivated based on relationships.

Think about it: if two individuals have equal knowledge, skill sets and experience, the individual with the stronger relationships will be the one promoted. In fact, you may often notice that the person with the least experience or weaker skill set gets promoted simply based on who they know (their relationships).

So, build rapport and credibility….and along the way build strong relationships. Give to get! Help others achieve what they want and you’ll find yourself in good relationships with others wanting to help you in return.  Relationships are THE key!!