RELATE

Relating to people is an art, skill, a matter of importance and frequently even a  misunderstood dynamic with people; to include organizations and among leaders.  When leaders develop relationships, they become powerful, communicating and visionary leaders - bottom line.  Power, influence and success is the result of time spent creating and nurturing relations in all directions.  This means 360 degrees covering their entire sphere of influence; and levels and layers in all directions as well.  True leadership stresses this and eliminates barriers impacting it; dysfunctional relationships are unacceptable.  Strong effective relationships requires that those being led have a comfortable, non-threatening and open line of communication with their boss.  The real leader facilitates this, along with ensuring strong relations among the team players is also solid.  A widely thought of management myth has most in our society believing leaders should not relate outside of the business day/environment.  Being a boss and buddy is possible and when done effectively the sky is the limit.  When people know they are cared for outside of the workplace, they know they matter; as well as their problems/issues.  People know when they have a leader who cares about them personally and professionally.  Truly effective leadership makes sure they do know; to this kind of leader ‘people are the most valuable resource’.  Leaders who get the heart realize they are getting everything from each and every individual under their care.  Any of the other seven in our great eight concepts is only marginally effective without the relationship piece learned here.