8 Ways to Build World-Class Relationships

We have heard it so many times that business is all about relationships. I would say life is also about relationships. Sometimes when we feel down it is an interaction with another person that puts us in a good place. I love the way Albert Schweitzer put it "Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light." Here are 8 tips on maintaining high quality relationships in both our personal and business lives.
Be Real and Vulnerable – There is nothing more disturbing than trying to be someone we are not. The only way relationships are built for the long term is by being ourselves. We should be comfortable in our own skin and never try to be someone we are not. Each of us is unique and that’s what makes life special. Vulnerability has been made famous by Brene Brown and yes being vulnerable does get admirers while it does take courage to showcase that in your interactions.
Be Enthusiastic– You can only find long lasting relationships in life if you are totally enthusiastic about your life. Get excited about your life. Just think of it as an opportunity to experience this world as it is. When you are enthusiastic and project happiness relationships are fertilized with the seeds of trust. Your enthusiasm will serve as the torchlight of inspiration for everyone around you.
Have a great attitude– Your attitude towards everything in your life will play a great role in the way you perceive life. You need to develop coping skills to view the world through a prism of abundance. Keep looking at the brighter side of your life. Your attitude is the true barometer of how you experience your life. This attitude of yours will be reflected in the way other people treat you. Maintaining an upbeat attitude will attract abundance and joy. 
Organize your life around love – Make your life about love. Once you organize your life around love you feel a lot better about yourself and appreciate others for what they are. Accept everyone as they are and accept yourself as you are. Love is the meaning of life. When we love life we will also love everyone for their uniqueness and respect their unique role in this world.
Be truthful – Trust in relationships is built on a foundation of truth. When you tell the truth all the time you feel great about yourself and everyone around you will understand that you mean business. People always respond favorably to those who live by their highest ideals.While you may fall short on occasions striving to reach your ideal self is an exciting journey that always keep your energized.
Inspire others – The whole purpose of maintaining relationships is to serve others selflessly. If you are a leader you need to inspire others to bring their best selves. Even in your family you can inspire your children through your actions. So always be on the lookout to set a great example which inspires everyone around you.
Speak with candor – People appreciate candor. When you call a spade a spade people trust you. So don’t be afraid to speak your mind as long as you don’t put others down. Always say what you mean but never criticize the other person. You can criticize the deed but not the person. Always protect the individual’s self-esteem at all times. Jack Welch mentioned in his wonderful book Winning that one of the things he did in GE was to build a culture around candor and it worked wonders for the organization. Another great book which came recently on this is Radical Candor by Kim Scott. The main thesis you should care personally for your people but also challenge them directly.
Always respect others – Respect everyone irrespective of their position or financial status. When you respect everyone you feel a lot better about yourself. Respect others for who they are. You can respect others by listening to their concerns without voicing your opinion. You can respect others by appreciating all the good qualities they have. You can respect others by always giving the benefit of doubt to them. If you respect yourself for who you are and respect others for who they are your life will work big time.
There you have it all the ways you can build lasting relationships in both your personal and business lives.
The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization

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