If you get along, they will go along
Building effective teams is how things get done. There are many facets to getting a team to work together with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. Building strong professional relationships is one of the most important keys to a successful team. Some key areas of focus when building relationships are below:
Understand People - Use your head, think clearly about those in your care. All people have these in common
We all like to feel special, sincerely compliment others
We all seek for a better tomorrow, provide hope
We all are looking for direction, provide navigational insight and tools
We all experience emotional lows, be a source of encouragement
We all want to succeed, guide others in how to get there
Care for People - Have a heart that shows compassion
You cannot be a truly effective leader, unless people want to follow you. Show others you care for them and they are more likely to follow your lead
Help People - Extend a hand up to those in need
Leaders are more respected when they keep the interests of others in mind
Focus on what you can sew into others rather than what you can reap from them and others will follow you to the front lines of the battle you face
If you are like me, you may find it difficult to build relationships at times. Here is some advise that has been given to me.
Improve how you think about relationships. Read books like, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.
Strengthen your heart and compassion for others. Take your focus off of your own success and significance and place it upon those in your care.
Repair hurting relationships. How many of us are estranged from siblings, children, parents, or old friends? Reach out, take ownership and responsibility for your part of the rift that has occurred, and seek to rebuild.
Without relationships, there is no leading. Relationships are not the only way we lead, but it is the primary way to build trust and to influence others in a positive and significant manner. No one is perfect at relationships, which means it is very important to practice getting better with every opportunity you have.