One of the greatest responsibilities a leader has is to help others be the best they can be. But how many leaders can actually say they have this quality? Leadership roles are often awarded to people who demonstrate strong skill sets, knowledge, and experience – but being skilled and knowledgeable doesn’t necessarily translate into skills with people.
Research has shown that the most important factor in long-term success is the ability to build a network of relationships; yet learning how to do this, is significantly absent from the education we receive as we go through life.
A good leader is one who not only has a clear sense of direction and a strong focus on results, but also shows evident concern for those around them. A good leader is a force for good in others’ lives, helping them achieve their true potential, instead of inhibiting it.
Let’s get into 5 biggest mistakes that are best avoided when it comes to relationship building.
Taking vs. Giving
Too many people see work relationships as one-sided – taking what they need but forgetting that it’s just as important to give. And not just to give in return, but to be the initiator. It’s important to remember that people are happy to give when they feel heard, understood, and cared about. People are more willing to follow someone who consistently listens, praises, and takes positive action for improvement. A relationship that is built on equality is a relationship that can accomplish more than either one could have achieved alone.
Are You an Opportunist?
While there are some situations in which being an opportunist is a good thing, relationship building is not one of them. Choosing who you will build a relationship with based on their position, standing, or perceived importance is simply not the way forward if you’re after long-term success.
Me vs. We
You may be extremely skilled, highly educated, and genuinely knowledgeable. You may also think these qualities exempt you from the need to build relationships; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As we know, success is more about who you know, rather than what you know. You may experience a certain amount of success based on your expertise, but the greatest success comes from a network of people who genuinely support you. Collaboration is key.
On the Other Hand…
Though relationships are extremely important for long-term success, you cannot place all your efforts on building relationships alone, ignoring knowledge-building and skill-increasing. Work relationships should make you more productive, not less productive. Emotional support is important, but it doesn’t cancel out the need to achieve the organization’s goals.
Differences Are Good
Are you building work relationships only with people who are similar to you? If so, you’re making a mistake. A great network is made up of all kinds of people – those from different departments, those with different skills, those from different peer groups. The best leaders develop relationships regardless of similarities or differences.
If you find that you’re making these common relationship-building mistakes, it’s easy enough to reverse them. Ask yourself what you know about others in the organization. Do you know what makes them tick, when they’re at their most productive, and how to best motivate them? If not, get learning.
The higher your position in the organization, the more vital it becomes to establish strong relationships. Inspiring trust through demonstrations of concern for others’ aspirations means that more people will want to follow you. You’ll be well on your way to being a great leader.
