Adding value in any relationship, personal or professional, is a two way street. The relationships we form are essentially the biggest investment made in life which its important to build based on intent. Just as we are to
People can either have a positive or negative influence on life and progress. When seeking inspiration, we tend to reach out and entertain opinions and advice from people who add no real value to us and make suggestions that do the same. When forming relationships personally or professionally, the goal should be to make connections that promote the life you intend to design.
It’s obvious that people have different beliefs and their intentions are not always good, just like good intentions alone may not be enough. This is why building meaningful and value driven relationships are essential in order to see valuable results.
Personal Friendships
I truly believe that overall growth and successes have a direct correlation to the company we keep. Just as we are to understand the value added in a relationship/friendship, also recognizing the value added by your friendships is just as viable.
To be honest, trust doesn’t come very easily for me and often selective when it comes to the information I share and who I choose to share it with. My intentions for this is not to be ill willed, sneaky or paranoid, but are simply because I’ve learned that not setting boundaries can cause disappointment and in some cases disservice. Like I mentioned above, not all intentions are good. In most cases, the people you’re surrounded by truly believe they are providing you the best advice, however, sometimes their best advice can be harmful to your instinct and have you questioning what you know is best for you and your path. When this begins to happen, respectfully and unapologetically set BOUNDARIES.
Professional Relationships
Being particular with your professional relationships are as equally important as your personal ones if not more important, since your lively hood depends on it. I’ve had some pretty great opportunities come from some of my best professional relationships. Making these simple efforts to invest in work relationships have resulted in more inclusion and exposure. I do find relationships formed at work can at times be tricky, but if approached correctly, can be essential in your career success.
It is definitely important to form healthy relationships with the people you meet at work, especially for the purpose of success and ease of interaction, however these also need to be built on intention and managed by boundaries so that work performance isn’t impacted and so that you’re not distracted from the overall goals. Setting Boundaries helps reduce any unwanted involvement with office gossip, and helps set the tone for the types of conversations you have at work and what your expectations are outside of work. I cannot stress enough how important it is to KEEP THE PEACE. This also helps to maintain purpose. Not all professional relationships are meant to be more than transactional however, those that tend to move in that direction require more strategic approaches.
Guaranteeing 100% happy relationships is nearly impossible, however, at the end of the day to build the rapport you desire and for them to remain strong and meaningful, both personal and professional relationships should be reciprocal in Honesty, Value/Respect, Commitment & Purpose.
When cultivating relationships, think through the mutual value, how to achieve it and always be intentional.