Tips For Relationship Success

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.”
Theodore Roosevelt

Building relationships is key to the success of any leader. Developing relationships in life is also essential for personal happiness and well-being. Below are four simple reminders on how to build strong relationships at work, home, and in our communities.

#1-Become Genuinely Interested in People

We must become genuinely interested in people if we want to build a real relationship with them. We can become genuinely interested in people when we realize each person is unique and has value to add to any situation because of their distinct experiences and background. Each person is different and thus can contribute to our lives in different positive ways. We must discover for ourselves that we can learn from anyone.

Once we are sincerely interested in people we can then show this interest by encouraging others to talk about themselves through asking questions and then listening carefully to their responses. We can do this as well by remembering important conversations and things we’ve learned about each person. Talking in terms of another person’s interests is also a good way to show genuine care about a person.

#2-Smile

Smiling often makes people feel good, and it helps them to relax and open up. As we smile frequently, we invite others to engage in conversation with us. People also enjoy being around those who smile frequently. As we smile often, our ability to build meaningful relationships will increase.

#3-Listen

Truly listening to others is important in building relationships. Rather than doing all the talking, we must allow others to express themselves and tell us about what interests them. Frequently dominating conversations is a sure way to suffocate and destroy a budding relationship.

#4-Follow-up

To keep a relationships strong requires some contact and follow-up. This means we must make contact on occasion with each person to enrich and nourish the relationship. Allowing too much time to pass between interactions will cause a relationship to wither away and eventually die. Thus, make contact frequently!

Learning to build strong relationships in trust can help us in every aspect of our lives. As we take a genuine interest in people, smile frequently, listen intently, and follow-up by making contact with others, we will be well on our way to building successful relationships.