Key #5 for Remarkable Leadership is Conscious Work Relationships
So what do I mean by this?
A conscious work relationship is where you’re mindful, respectful and heart centered.
Notice I didn’t say anything about the other person. That’s because you’re only responsible for yourself. As a leader people will follow what you model for them and it’s natural for them to do so.
The concept of leading this way is mentioned in many ancient texts including the Tao Te Ching which says, “The master doesn’t talk, he acts. When his work is done, the people say, “Amazing we did it, all by ourselves!”
This is a very old writing about how a master at leadership, leads people into their own greatness.
Being mindful, respectful and heart centered in the workplace is a huge productivity gain waiting to happen. There’s research that says unhappy employees cost the US $100’s of billions of dollars per year in lost productivity.
The Ancient Wisdom teachings taught me that all relationships are about personal growth. Keeping this in mind and modeling it for people has been one of my secrets for success.
As a leader of people you’re not responsible for the people you lead adopting the principle that all relationships are about personal growth or them being mindful, respectful and heart centered in the workplace. But, you are responsible.. and will benefit immensely…by modeling this to the people you lead at work.
It’s human nature to reciprocate and to follow what feels good. It’s actually linked subconsciously to survival.
Therefore most people will trust, work harder for, actually go the extra mile for someone whom they know cares about their growth and who will reciprocate when they help them get what they want.
If you want loyalty, respect, and consistent cooperation from your team, vendors and clients then you have to have the mindset that all of your work relationships are about personal growth. One way I do this is keep in mind and act upon what I call the 3 needs of relationships.
The 3 needs of relationships are:
– Each person needs to feel that they’re growing as human beings.
– Each person needs to feel that what they do and who they are matters.
– Each person needs to feel that their a part of something that’s important.
So, why is all of this so important, and why should you care?
Because if employees, clients, vendors… do not feel connected to you, they will move on to something else or will not care as much,…meaning they will just go through the motions.
People naturally desire connection, growth and reciprocity…if they don’t then you should eliminate them from your life and most definitely from your business or team.
It doesn’t take any extra time for you to model every character trait you would like your team to demonstrate at work.
You’ll reap huge rewards for it and create a harmonious productive workplace that people will want to continue to work at.
Until next time…Lead with a Commanding Presence
John