“The Power of Leadership”

This week, we enjoy a guest author for the Thought of the Day, Rob Stam from Holland, MI, USA.  Rob is the author of a just released new book titled Almost our Time.  Rob’s book discusses and offers advice on our “Gen X” Generation taking on America’s challenges.  Enjoy Rob’s Thought on relationships…

Relationships are a foundational key to a successful business. One could argue that developing and maintaining good relationships is as crucial to success as providing a valuable product or service. Itʼs very easy however, to take people for granted and forget how essential it is for us to hold relationships in high regard as one of the most valuable assets we have. Relationships give us our motivation, our resources, our support, and our customers. Here are a four rules for fostering and maintaining quality relationships:

Show up - Be the person that everyone else looks forward to seeing. More than likely there are several business and community events in your area every month. Become familiar with those and get involved.

Develop People skills - Master the art of relating to people. Be the one initiating conversations with others instead of waiting for someone to come talk to you. Shake hands, look people in the eye. Ask questions and listen. As the old saying goes “You have two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion.” There are countless books on people skills, read up.

Value the relationships, not just what you gain from them - Yes, we can benefit in multiple ways from relationships, including financially. There is nothing wrong with having relationships that are strictly business; in fact some relationships should only be about business. However, never forget that people are not commodities no matter how successful or talented. Relationships have value in their very existence. Donʼt look at every person as a means to get something for yourself. Enjoy people and value relationships. Donʼt manipulate for personal gain, itʼs bad business and will always come back to hurt you.

Invest and protect - The most valuable relationships are those that require investment. This doesnʼt mean financial investment, but it can. This may include the investment of time or emotion. The best relationships require sacrifice and effort. When you identify those relationships you must understand that their development will require a long term, often challenging, commitment. These relationships must also be protected. Donʼt let them suffer because of trivial misunderstanding, outside challenges, or just good old fashioned selfishness.

 

“That which seems the height of absurdity of one generation often becomes the height of wisdom to another. “  - Adlai Stevenson

Have a great day!

Shawn

Russ M. Miller, LLIF – Chairman & CEO

Performance Institute (Human Capital Development)

Global CEO Academy (Management Training)

Sunny Hong Zhang – Managing Partner – China

Shawn M. Miller – Managing Partner – USA