Relationships

Let’s build on my "Engage" blog post a bit and discuss relationships further.  I do not think that people really understand the part relationships play in a career – be it successful or unsuccessful.

This point was first introduced to me a few years ago during a conversation with a HR guy.  He stated that if a person doesn’t like you he or she will not promote you or hire you for a position you are seeking.  (of course there was a lot more context around this statement and "like" may be replaced by respect)

I have to say I was a bit shocked by that statement but it made me think.

After thinking about it I was again shocked.

Shocked by what a simple idea it was and how it made sense.  I put it into my perspective… if I were looking to replace my Administrative Assistant would I hire someone who I did not respect or enjoy being around?  No way!  I have to work very closely with this person.  Of course I would hire someone I got along with and had the same business philosophy as I do.

This has led me on a further path of study in regards to relationships.  I have come to the conclusion that building relationships builds success.

This is in everything that you do – business, home life, outside interest, everything.  The relationships that you build will lead you to where you want to go.  They will help you gain the knowledge you need to know.  They will help you develop the contacts that you need which leads to more relationships.

They just allow you to get through life.

Positive relationships, honest relationships, trusting relationships lead to success.  If you want a successful engagement program in your store, start by building your relationships with your people.  If you want to improve your Overall Satisfaction scores, your ELMS scores, your Green half-hours, instead of looking at stats and best practices, look toward improving your relationships with the people you are counting on to help you achieve these numbers.

People will want to help if they are part of a positive relationship.

Again, this is a simple thing to do.  We are in the people business.  Establishing positive relationships is guaranteed to bring success to a people business.