Relationships Are Important

“To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.”

- William Hazlitt (1778-1830) English Essayist

Life doesn’t always work the way we’d like it to. If we had our way life our be fair, easy and a lot more fun. But it doesn’t usually work out like that. Life is a journey and it’s continuously changing. Our options seem to be to get good at changing (growing) or get good at complaining.

This quote made reminded me of how important our relationships are. I know people who have few lasting relationships. Few friends that have lasted through time. It’s a clear sign that something is wrong.

When you look at your lasting relationships you realize that to have them you have to swallow a bit of your pride and ego. You have to be able to compromise, care about the other persons thoughts, situation and feelings. And you have to be do this in the face of the possibility that it may backfire of you - with the other person using your kindness as leverage against you. (We cross that bridge when we come to it.)

The same personality and communication traits that allow for lasting personal relationship are the same ones that allow our leadership ability. Good prospectors, marketers and leaders are able to empathize with others and communicate that with them.