Building Relationships

I have found that the pillar of any strong relationship is trust. Most any problem can be worked through if trust is established. This is true in the corporate world (internally within companies) and also when dealing with customers. Today, in addition to trust I picked up a couple of other additional thoughts.

1.)    It is better to ask many questions and give fewer answers. The best way to know how a person feels is to ask them. Assuming that trust has been established, asking people to tell you how they feel builds relationships. I know in my own life (at home, in the family business and at my public job) I find myself guilty of not asking folks their opinion. I believe Scripture to be very accurate as it states “In a multitude of counsel there is safety.”

2.)    It is better to listen more and talk less. Sometimes I find myself talking nonstop about some new project around the house, talking about some new business idea with our Services Group or rambling on about my corporate life. Occasionally, I have to pinch myself and remember that it is important to listen.  Again today I was refreshed to have some time to simply listen to a brilliant young man discuss his approach to business. I wish I had the time to jot notes as he spoke.

Building relationships is no easy task. If it was so easy then there would be less divorce in America. It takes hard work and it takes honest communication. The beauty of building relationships is the value that it adds to each of our lives. As I have stated so many times before when teaching classes on various subjects, “We as people are simply the collective efforts of others on our behalf.”

Anyone have some other points to add regarding building relationships?

kml

2009