It’s not “just” business.
The greatest “ship” in leadership is relationship.
The priority of relationship came home to me in a follow-up call with Bob Buford. Bob was mentored by Peter Drucker. Their mentoring relationship turned into a life-long friendship that he writes about in, Drucker & Me.
Bob explains nine things Peter did for me. But, when I asked which of the nine were most valuable, he paused and said, “None of them.”
The most important thing was having a relationship with Peter.
Bob valued the relationship, first.
Job one:
Leaders either drive results through power and authority or relationship. Both have their place.
Nothing is more important than building relationships – that drive results – with current and future leaders.
Every aspect of leadership is made better in the presence of strong connection.
10 ways to become the leader others value:
- Move to connect. If you want people to connect with you, connect them. Begin by showing interest in their interests.
- Be really great at something. Weakness invites sympathy. Skill invites respect.
- Move first, when it comes to seeking the highest good of others.
- Give more than you take. Don’t be needy or greedy. Practice generosity.
- Be big; live wide. Pour energy into solving important issues. Make the world better.
- Be honest with compassion. Avoid defensiveness.
- Connect with those who desire connection. Don’t waste time forcing connections that aren’t mutual.
- Identify common goals and shared values. Shared values give connections value. Common goals establish common connection.
- Find mutual admiration. One-way relationships, may be necessary, but aren’t fulfilling, over time.
- Complain less. Press for progress, even if it’s small.
Bonus: Help people get where they want to go.
Relationships enrich, expand, and extend every aspect of leadership.
What qualities in you, draw others to you?