From: The Maxwell Daily Reader, John C. Maxwell

Date: January 18

Title: Take time to understand people. 

From: 17 Essentials Qualtities of a Team Player
Gist:

Apparently people matter. The entry opens with a few rehtorical questions. These questions all reference how you either build or ignore relationships. Maxwell believes the cultivation of relationships is the single best activity a leader can perform to increase one’s stature. 

Favorite Quote:

“Becoming a highly relational person brings individual and team success.”

Action:

Build solid relationships with your people and the results will follow. 

Ramble on:

So this concept is one I learned as a child from my mother. Regardless of the type of business she always tried to make the staff feel like family. Even when they disappointed her by stealing, not showing up, or acting out. She somehow had the patience to accept them and treat them the same. This built tremendous loyalty with anyone who worked with her, they would call her “mama”. 

My dad on the other hand was the polar opposite. He would treat staff like indentured servants. His formal reaction to anything was to yell and scream. I never understand how aggravated he would get about small things. 

I somehow have adopted a little of both of their personalities. I do my best to build relationships, but I’m also demanding. Sometimes I don’t say thank you enough, and causes small fractures in all the emotional equity I’ve built up with people. Conversely, I’ll give someone way too many chances and cause myself enough stress for a coronary. 

I think the solution for my future endeavors is to hire the right fit first, then build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect.