Set Goals That Strengthen Relationships
Joe asks, “What are a few examples of ‘setting goals for relationships?’”
People work harder for leaders they know, like, and trust. And they enjoy it.
Results-driven goals – set well – increase performance. Relationship-driven goals strengthen trust, engagement, collaboration, and resilience.
Set relationship-driven goals:
#1. Tell stories. Begin team meetings with one person telling a story about a formative moment in their life. It only takes two or three minutes. When they’re done ask, “How does that story/person show up in your life today?”
Lead by example, tell your story first.
#2. Hold next level 1:1s. Performance and results permeate your conversations. Don’t neglect performance, make it personal.
- What are your goals for yourself? What steps are you taking to achieve them?
- When are you most energized at work? How can you do more of that?
- On a scale of one to ten, how challenged do you feel? How challenged would you like to feel?
#3. Institute cross-team mentorships. Give people a chance to learn about each other while they improve their skills.
#4. Show respect. Disrespect contaminates environments and pollutes relationships. Intentionally show respect three times today. Respect people’s effort, results, attitude, or impact on others.
#5. Learn strengths and weaknesses. Everyone on the team needs to know the strengths and weaknesses of their team members. Include yours.
Fundamental ideas:
Care about people or go work in a hole.
You can’t force people to connect. But you can engage in behaviors that make strong relationships more likely.
Relationship building feels like a pain in the butt when your schedule is packed with deadlines. But healthy relationships make life better.
Curiosity is a relationship building tool.
How are you building relationships at work?
How can leaders help teams build relationships with each other?
Still curious:
A Simple Approach to Relationship Building
The Power of Healthy Relationships at Work
