The Power Of Working Relationships
Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very delicate things, that
require extra effort to maintain. However, a relationship can also be something
that can provide security and can also be long lasting despite many trials.
Building an effective and lasting relationships is a necessity for several
reasons. For example in a group or organization, the well being of the people
depends on how efficient and effective that group or organization works.
The group or organization is also dependent on how the members work well with
the management.
An ineffective group or organization can really be very frustrating. An
effective group or organization can also ask so much on their members, that
sometimes the members would be having no life outside the walls of the area
where they work or sacrifice the other aspects of their life just to meet
deadlines. For an organization or group with this kind of scenario,
relationships can be stressed or suffer from breakdown.
People or other entities who depend on these groups or organization also suffer.
Society is defined as a web of relationships, which requires all parties to
work and contribute their share in order to achieve a common goal. Having a
relationship that is good, where cooperation and respect are manifested, can
make society work better. In this way each member works for the good of the
whole and towards achieving a common goal. This can only be attained with
effective and efficient relationships.
Understanding the other parties' feeling and position creates an effective and
efficient relationship. The easiest method to understand what is important to
another party is to ask them what they want and listen to what they have to
say. When the other party realizes this, they would feel the importance given
to them
Effective and efficient relationships require parties to openly express their
feelings and positions on all matters pertinent on the relationship. Assuming
that the other party understands our needs and give us when we need it without
asking for it is not a good practice.
Respect is the key to relationship. In order to create a more effective
relationship, parties should treat each other with respect. We can show
respect just by listening to the other party and by trying sincerely to
understand how they function. You can also show respect to other parties by
confirming that they are doing everything they can.
The opposite of respect is quick forming of judgements based on unfounded facts
and prejudice.
Respect is the very foundation for a great relationship. This also means
respecting yourself and respecting others.
Another key area in forming an effective relationship is to tackle differences
of the other party directly. Differences between parties or people are quite
interesting. For example in a conversation where each party listens to the
other party, you may observe that each is having two different perspectives.
Work towards a win-win solution for both parties.
This can be done when at least one party acknowledges that the relationship is
important. That party would then exert more time, effort and energy to
understand the other party's needs and deal with it to get it out of the way.
Should they fail, it is comforting for that party to know that they tried.
Effectively listening and no pre-judging. This is important if parties are to
understand each other.
Informal discussions are conducive for parties. They bring out issues and
concerns comfortably. They also feel more relaxed making them think more
clearly.
Developing an atmosphere where the other party can express their feelings when
they need to.
When parties fail to express whatever is on their mind or their feelings, it
can get in the way of building an effective relationship.
Parties should be aware that certain things exist naturally but should be
controlled in any dealings in any relationship. Human nature is one. Some of
these things found in a relationship also include a history of stereotyping or
mistrust, blaming the other person or party for a strained relationship,
excluding the other party's feelings when focusing on a task, no clear and
defined objectives, roles and expectations of each party in a relationship is
also unclear.
Relationships are important to anyone, addressing issues and problems right
away is a must to further improve the relationship. As they say 'No man is an
Island'.
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