Relentless Results

Pressure produces compliance. Relationships multiply results.

Who brings their best? Someone who feels disregarded? Or someone who believes the boss cares?

Fear stands aloof. Courage cares.

When you don’t care about people, the team conforms but doesn’t commit.

5 Steps to Relentless Results

#1. Stop Stinking.

You’re a dead rat in the wall when problems consume your attention. No one gives their best for a stinker.

It’s not bad to see bad. But don’t camp in the stink. Success hinges on what you do after you see a problem.

Start with a problem. End with forward movement.

Do this: Design a forward step after discussing an issue for 10 minutes.

#2. Remember reasons.

The most important thing you understand is what purpose motivates teammates.

People engage for their reasons, not yours. 

Passion takes over after people find their reasons. Vibrant relationships revolve around reasons.

Do this: Ask one person this week, “What’s energizing you today?”

#3. Build on abilities.

Connect teammates’ strengths to problems and opportunities. How might you leverage strengths and talents?

Do this: Ask, “Which of your strengths enable you to thrive completing this project?”

#4. Define behaviors collaboratively.

What behaviors energize them? Their way is better than your way, as long as it doesn’t do harm.

Do this: Ask, “What behaviors help us win together?”

#5. Create self-designed accountability.

Accountability isn’t forcing reluctant people to conform. Oppressive accountability weakens relationships and shrinks results.

Strengthen relationships by trusting others to design their own accountability.

Do this: Ask, “What do you want me to ask you at our next meeting?”

Of all the things you do, care first. And remember, caring includes addressing underperformers too.

How might strong relationships improve results?

7 Relationship Building Rules for Results-Driven Leaders

Employees Who Feel Love Perform Better HBR