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Starting Small In Taking Responsibility To Build Relationships

Guest post by: Martin Haworth

Article Overview: Creating excellent workplace relationships is a valuable exercise at any time. The responsibility for developing these, belongs to everyone in the team. Getting this going needs to start somewhere...

Starting Small In Taking Responsibility To Build Relationships

Once we get clear in our minds that there is a significant value in having effective business relationships with our people - and for them with us - it's vital to understand that the responsibility doesn't fall simply on someone else. Managers and their employees share that responsibility, so that everyone benefits from the value that workplace relationships - at their best, of course - provide for all.

After time being unaware that there is work to do, the simple act of understanding that each one has some level of responsibility can be daunting. And, when this happens, it's possible that those first tiny steps to take that challenge on, becomes less attractive.

So, where to start?

When we realize that we all have to develop tactics to make the best of those we work with, the most important activity is simply recognizing that up to now, perhaps we might not have done as much as we could.

The simple act of noticing that we might have been more proactive; more receptive or even better, taken a look at what we are and aren't doing, is a great first step to take.

Once that awareness have become apparent, next up is starting to acknowledge that there are steps we can take that will make the start in bring us closer to our people.

Now, whilst everyone has some responsibility for the whole relationship building activity, as a manager, it might well be useful to ensure that you take the lead, at least at first, by acknowledging and taking steps to appreciate that you have a responsibility to get things moving - at least a little.

As you notice where you might have stopped seeing that some of the responsibility for creating valuable relationships lies with you, you will start to see some of the opportunities for you.

These will be small at first, because relationships can only be started at first, then, as they gain momentum, you will find that more and more opportunities come to your attention.

It's almost as if that small first step is the catalyst. Acknowledging that it is yours to do, at last in part will also trigger others to see the ffort you are making, and then do a little more themselves, every day.

You aren't going to get everyone on board at first - you are going to be able to show them that you have seen the way forward and are grasping the opportunity.

Relationships only start when those involved start to recognize that they have work to do to make the best of these interactions.

By starting small to each take a shared responsibility, you each have every chance that this will grow - and then everyone will be the beneficiary.

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  Workplace Relationships - What Does Responsibility Mean?
  Sharing Responsibilities in Building Workplace Relationships
  The Philosophy of Responsibilities in Workplace Relationship Building
  Success Advice from a Country Song

Article Tags: build relationships, management development, start small, taking responsibility, workplace relationships



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