The Business of Relationships

My wife gets the monthly newsletter from Robin Sharma. I am going to share this with you over the next three days.

Robin Sharma… helping people in organizations lead without a title.

The Business of Relationships 9 things to have winning relationships art work.

Hi Sherri,

Included in the Top 10 Best Companies to Work For (Fortune Magazine), not surprising we see Google, Edward Jones and Dreamworks. When employees were asked why they love (yes love) working for the top contenders, they didn't mention the pay, the expense accounts or advancing to the top title in the Googleplex. They spoke first of the kindness of relationships. These passionate workers described their work culture as an extension of home, or like being with family. They spoke enthusiastically of their colleagues as being fun and supportive. Managers of the Best Companies are characterized as genuinely caring; every single employee truly matters. Work for these fortunate employees is like a favorite gathering place - a place to play at their top level with like minded talent.

These testimonials reveal that business is nothing more than a human venture built on high caliber relationships. Without deep relationships, leadership doesn't work. The old model of leadership - which puts profit above people - is dead.

9 Things You Must Absolutely Do To Having Winning Relationships At Work:

1. Act Like a Human

Organizations run by a closed group of executives hovering above in the "C - suite" are falling. Leading Without A Title, where everyone is a key player is the new way to win in business. This fresh method of leading means that leaders not only master the essential skills but also understand how to act human. You can't treat human beings like capital - you will lose your greatest talent.

Acting human engages people - human engagement facilitates others towards their brilliance. A refreshing burst of humanity at the office outlasts and outshines the paycheck, the office with the view, or driving the company car. As the lights go out on the stage of old-school leadership, acting human is your game-changing solution.

2. Be One of the Few Who Perfect the Endangered Craft

It's an amazing time to be alive. Revolutionary technological innovation to enhance our lives, freedom of choice to create the life you love, and the daily opportunity to choose from an endless list of beautiful rewards. Yet an insatiable hunger still lingers inside each one of us - the hunger to be heard. I'm talking about the transformative experience that happens when someone truly listens and totally gets where you are at. I'm talking about listening at the level you feel like the listener is hanging onto each one of your words like they are the most important words in the world.

The new leadership is all about relationships with people. And you can't relate without listening. It's impossible. Yet engaged listening is a craft rarely mastered by leaders. You can have the most competent leader in the world, but if he doesn't listen his leadership potential will go unrealized.

Feeding the hunger to be heard brings out the best in people. People will trust you, respect you and shatter their limitations for you when you give them the gift of listening.

3. Be Scarce

We tend to value that which is scarce. We put a premium on objects and experiences we believe will run out: a Limited edition Gucci Ronson sneaker, a two week showing of Michael Jackson's This Is It. Reserve wine. We are impacted and motivated most by that which we don't come across everyday or that which comes in a limited supply. If you are seeking to create long term loyalty in your business relationships, ask yourself what is noticeably scarce? Is it generosity? Authenticity? Encouragement? Spot the scarcity and rock it.