Relationships and Workplace success

GR had only two modes of operation in his interpersonal relationships at work. One was so thick and treacly it provoked nausea. The other was cutting and vicious. Was this a happy place to work and did it inspire committed, enthusiastic and innovative staff?

On the other hand, Josh, a rescue team leader of integrity and humour, was straightforward and slow to anger but quickly responsive to issues as they arose. If Josh asked the team to go through fire they would do so with a song on their lips and smiles on their faces.Was this a good experience for the team’s members ? Certainly! Did it encourage innovation, participation, commitment and a desire to be better? You bet !

I have experienced both environments and can tell you where I was happier and which I preferred!…………and yes, the names have been changed to protect the guilty and the innocent.

For many, the quality of the workplace experience is very much a function of relationships. Whether we enjoy going to work depends on whether we have buddies there and how well we are treated by peers, supervisors and subordinates.

But who would have thought that there is a direct connection between the quality of our relationships at work and productivity, profitability, staff retention and customer loyalty? Yes, folks, that is what the research says, it’s the soft skills which make the difference and no longer is there an excuse for those of a strictly bean-counting persuasion to deny it.

The jury has now returned its verdict many times over. If you are looking for superior profitability, productivity, staff retention and customer loyalty then your first step is to figure out how to create a corporate culture which nurtures people and their relationships.

What does this look like? Start by looking for opportunities to express appreciation of your staff and do so! Start by ensuring everyone understands what it is they are expected to achieve. Start by looking at your vision, your mission and your values and determining whether they are understood, whether they inspire, to what extent they remain relevant and are incorporated in the day to day activities of your people.

………And start doing this today!

Martin Sawdon,
Life Coach,
Coaching-Works!

Martin is a Christian Coaches Network Member Coach