14 Feb Secret #4: True Relationships
A ‘true relationship’ is one in which you have a real connection with that person and you want them to succeed. This means that you are more concerned helping the other party involved than yourself. There is no hidden agenda and no hidden fees to this friendship. Here is one reason why this is important in in business:
Simply put, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
You could be the smartest and most successful engineering consultant, but unless your client knows that you understand them as well as their concerns, then you may as well pack up and go home. It’s not likely that you will be selected out of the other consultants who they may see as being at the same level.
If you are working with a client on a project, you will spend many hours in meetings and on the phone with them. Use this time to figure out their hobbies, about their family and what motivates them. Later down the line another project will come along and automatically they will think of you because of the real relationship that you have built.
Let’s not forget about the other relationships that are important to build: relationships with coworkers, friends and family members.
In regards to coworkers, just think about how much time you spend with them. It is likely that you spend more time with them than with your friends or your family. It is a sad reality. Hopefully you have built meaningful relationships with these people so that work is enjoyable every day. Look out for your coworkers and help them when their projects are crushing them if you can. This helpful good deed will not go unnoticed, so when you are getting crushed with your own deadlines your coworkers are more likely to help you.
Most importantly, it is important to be real and have a true relationship with our friends and family. They are with you through the thick and thin… through the moves to another city, the new job, the studying fo the PE exam and much more. Support them in every way that you can. Bolster them up. Be there when they need you. Love them. Laugh with them. Be real with them.
We all know that person or maybe it is a friend or family member that only comes around when they need your help. If you don’t know who that person is, then maybe that person is you… (awkward). If it is then that is okay because from today on we are going to change. We are going to be better at building and nurturing relationships so that we can be real and have true relationships with those around us. Today (and every day for that matter) is a day to change and become better.
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Keep on keepin’ on.
Life’s a garden… Dig it!
If you have any additional topics or subtopics that you would like me to cover, please contact me at josh@thehipsterengineer.com
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