It can be said that there are really only two important things in life: people and relationships. Businesses, families, churches, and 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 common interests, and 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 stronger relationships will be the one promoted. In fact, you may often notice that the person with the least experience or weaker skillset gets promoted simply based on whom 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!!
Visit Candace Mae’s website here to learn more about how she develops Leadership that C.A.R.E.S. Connect with her here to find out more about coaching or group studies for you or your team.
P.S. You may want to check out Candace Mae’s book “Heaven Within – Restoring Wholeness for Better Leadership”, which is out now!
It’s great value as you get 2-downloadable workbooks. 3-books for the price of 1!
Click the link below to get your copy! We would be so appreciative if you can check it out. https://www.amazon.com/Candace-Mae/e/B09MJR98ZH/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk