Dr. Phil Would Love This...
Posted by Sitkins Advisor on Mon, Oct 17, 2011 @ 06:00 AM
Why are relationships important to our success? Essentially, we constantly depend upon others to help us. We cannot succeed without the help of others.
The key to being successful is developing effective relationships. These relationships range from those in our personal life, to the many different key relationships in our business life such as our insurance companies, our prospects, our centers of influence, our clients and our co-workers.
We often find that the greatest challenge is in the workplace, where relationships can easily be built and, just as easily, be destroyed. Most people that work well together have relationships that are positive, co-operative and respectful.
How do we develop these kinds of relationships? Here are my thoughts based on my own personal experiences, some training I have received over the years, and some advice I have received from great mentors in my life.
- The relationship needs to be important. When I decide my relationship with someone is important I will put the time and energy into understanding them, personally and professionally, and deal with even the tough situations that may arise.
- Actively listening is key! When I listen to truly understand people and truly be non-judgmental, it brings my relationships closer, with very little defensive conversations.
- Set the stage so that people can express how they feel. When we ‘get naked’ or vulnerable, it allows people to feel more connected to you. It’s tough to have good interaction if someone is feeling irritated about a situation, but not willing to discuss it.
- Embrace your generation gaps. In the workplace today they are at least 3 different generations working together. Draw on each other’s strengths. We have so much to learn from each other.
- When it comes to relationships everything begins with Respect & Trust.
Respect - I was always told the best way to teach respect is to show respect. Respect is an attitude. It cannot be demanded or forced. Be attentive, give people time to say what they want and be sensitive to their thoughts and feelings.
Trust – Stephen M. R. Covey taught us about relationship trust in his book “The Speed of Trust”. He talks about the 13 Behaviors of High Trust Leaders – talk straight, demonstrate respect, create transparency, right wrongs, show loyalty, deliver results, get better, confront reality, clarify expectations, practice accountability, listen first, keep commitments and extend trust.
Be proactive and deliberate about building effective relationships. It is the key to your success!
The Author, Bonita Argent, is a Vertical Growth Advisor for Sitkins International.