Maximize Positive Relationships

 

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

November's Mindset is We Are Connected, and this week's theme is Maximize Positive Relationships. Willow has a long standing reputation of building strong connections with students, staff, and families.  Here are some tips to keep building on that success!

It's something most of us learned in early childhood - getting along with others just makes life easier! (sound familiar, Melissa and Heather?!).  Years later, positive workplace relationships are vital to the success of your team.  When you build a bond with the people you spend so much time with, you cr4eate a community of committed individuals who work together for the greater good of the team, and ultimately, for the success of your shared goals.

Here are some tips to maximize positive relationships at work:

Give Your Time and Presence

"Too busy" is a myth.  People make time for4 the things that are really important to them.  -unknown

Practice being truly present with those you are around.  When you devote your attention, energy, and effort, it rarely goes unnoticed, nor unappreciated.  People value individuals who are present, engaged, and listen to what they have to say.

Listen to Your Team

Don't listen with the intent to reply.  Listen with the desire to understand.  -unknown

Listening to others is essential to developing trust and building strong relationships. This isn't just polite - it's the cornerstone of relationship building.  WHen you start hearing others, you develop empathy and understanding towards that person, which can make your work relationships stronger.

Build Your Communication Skills

In relationships, silence it's golden.  It's deadly.  -unknown

JUst as listening to others is important, so is being able to communicate clearly. Communication is what happen s when others understand you just as you understand them.  Make sure your body language and words are the same, so that you're not sending mixed messages.

Rein in Distractions

There are always distractions, if you allow them.  -unknown

People tend ot pay more attention to their phones than the person sitting right in front of them.  Only take calls in an emergency - responding to your phone sends a message that the person isn't as valuable to you.  Make sure your team has clear expectations when it comes to cell phones and computers during meetings/conversations.

Practice Empathy and Understanding

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.  -Maya Angelou

Empathy and understanding build connections between people.  It is a state of relating to someone else's feelings and needs without giving advice, or trying to fix or change the situation.  By offering support and encouragement where needed, you will create positive connections with members of your team.

Keep maximizing the positive relationships you have at Willow, as it has such a positive impact on everything that we do!

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. 

-Helen Keller