Building rapport with somebody can be a roller-coaster ride. Sometime we may feel that we are getting closer and sometimes not. And most importantly stay focus, be patient and keep at it. If the relationship is important enough for us, it is worth the efforts. Once built, it lasts. Remember, “tough nuts make the best peanut butter”.
Leading people may not always be pleasant specifically when we need to have a conversation with someone to correct his or her behavior or work incompetencies. Accept it as part of our commitment as a leader, do it objectively with sensitivity and firmly. Every such conversation will strengthen us over time when done correctly.
A good follower makes a good leader. When our leader have a conversation with us in the right manner, lets cooperate with them by being open to their observations, dialogue to clarify the observations, and when appropriate accept their corrections then find ways to change our behaviors. Take is as a critical source of improvement for our career growth!
At times, it is difficult for our subordinates to perform effectively without clearly defined job descriptions. When we already have one, it needs to be updated practically and often enough to reflect true contributions and status of competencies accordingly. Our subordinates need these JDs to enable them to stay focus and be certain of their contributions. It will also be easier to tie KPIs to them.
Are we really listening to our colleagues? Do they walk away feeling that we’ve really understood them? I think one of the most difficult thing to do is to hold our tongue when someone is talking; ie focus on what is being said instead of preparing how we will answer them. A rapport building conversation involves 80% listening and 20% intelligent questioning for maximum output. Try it out now and discover the difference!
I love this quote: “Adversity would not leave us until we have learnt its lesson.” As I reflect on my life’s journey, I concur.
Adversities strengthen us and make us wiser.
They strengthen us by providing us with valuable experience of overcoming them and knowing how to apply endurance and perseverance while resolving them.
They make us wiser by enabling us to know how best to make decisions that would prevent them from occurring again.
When it is inevitable and we find ourselves facing our giants, adversities, face them with our shield of faith and the sword of divine power. We shall overcome! Always…!
One of the most important way to lead others is to lead by example. It is most significant and has power to compel our followers to follow us and act! The more challenging situations are, the more we need to lead by example ie show the ways to think, feel and behave.
We can no longer direct without showing the way. Most followers need leaders who participate, works hand in hand with them. Such leaders gain their followers’ respect and commitment. Such leaders are favored with their followers’ discretionary efforts, which boost productivity and output, and get the results.
To lead by example, a leader need to be genuine from the inside out; ie the leader must have the right attitude, values & beliefs, thinking, emotional being and observable behaviors. And these elements have to be consistent throughout, they have to be congruent!
It’s time. Lets lead our followers the right way…!