Ever wonder why some people seem to have the greatest life, be the most-popular person around or have more power than others? Relationships are truly fragile! When we lead others or work in a group with others, we cannot forget how important it is to be intentional about getting along. This is especially true if we are in a leadership position.
Being a leader of course means having followers. It also implies that we must always be seen as doing the right things for the right reasons. If there are policies in place or laws, we need to do our best to make sure we are respecting them. This means doing them and upholding them. "Bending the rules" can be seen as cool to some, but by others, it the long-run it will cause people to question your integrity.
Effective leaders find ways to help people understand how important it is to follow policies and laws. After all, they are usually in place to project people, culture and standards. If they need to be changed, then put action in place to change them, but until then, know they help create a sense of safety that really is important in workplaces and society.
We can never afford to compromise a standard because our integrity is the only real thing we have. If you are not faithful to a coworker, boss, friend or loved one, then others will question whether they can trust you. Leadership and relationship strength is measure through levels of trust after all.
When someone questions your integrity, own your mistakes and make things better through apologies and doing things right. Be seen as someone who always has the best interest of others in mind. Doing the right thing as it relates to expectations of others is the right thing to do, unless people will be harmed in any way.
The key to building successful workplace relationship and stronger relationships at home is by building and maintaining trust and giving others the benefit of the doubt that they are doing the same thing too. This may sound pretty simple. And for the most-part it is.
We learn a lot of wisdom in kindergarten. Things like being honest, follow the rules, apologize when we bite someone and put your coat on it is cold outside are all great examples of things that still apply to us as adults. It is all about relationships and doing things to stay happy and healthy.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed this article, like it on Facebook and share it with others. Make it a great day! (We get to choose how we feel about it).
Kindest regards,
Dr. Paul L. Gerhardt, PhD
The Organizational Doctor TM
www.paulgerhardt.com
