In last week’s blog, I made the point that relationships are the currency of success. If you go to the store and want to buy a nice outfit, you must have currency. There must be an exchange of money for that which you are purchasing. Success has a price, and one of the prices of success is relationships.
So how do you strengthen those relationships? What can you tangibly do to enrich them? In a world filled with constant activity and distraction, what helps people feel truly seen?
Dale Carnegie said, “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” People love to hear their own names. It signifies being seen and accepted.
By using a person’s first name in conversation, they no longer feel like a nameless face in a crowd. It creates connection.
Ask questions about the other person. Those questions should be open-ended. Don’t ask questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Ask questions that invite people to share more of themselves.
Instead of asking, “Have you had a great week?” ask, “Tell me three things that made this a great week.”
Now the person feels that you are truly interested in them and want to learn more about them.
When appropriate, you can also ask, “What were the hurdles you faced that made this a tough week?” That question shows care and concern. It gives the other person space to share their burden and lets them know there’s a listening ear willing to hear them.
Great relationships are the result of invested time. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, you can’t build strong relationships through a quick text or a few emails alone. You must spend time with people.
Being in someone’s physical presence shows you care. It communicates that you value them. Time is one of the most valuable things you can give someone because you can never get it back.
Play golf together. Go to lunch. Grab coffee. Shared time builds relationships that can stand the test of time.
Focus on the person sitting across from you. Put down your phone. Don’t text while they’re speaking. Avoid checking your watch.
When someone sees you checking the time, they may assume you’re counting down the minutes until you no longer have to be with them. Distractions can easily make you appear uninterested, even when that is not your intention.
Presence matters. Be with the person.
Smile when you speak to people. Don’t wear a bored expression. A smile signals that you’re enjoying being with them.
When you laugh, let it be out loud. Let the person feel that spending time with them is enjoyable, not something you are merely tolerating.
People are worth your effort. They have value and worth. Treat them as such. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to building stronger relationships.
Creating unparalleled experiences,
Chris Adams
Ellis Adams Group is always updating our blogs with the latest and greatest, view more below.
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