Have you ever heard someone say, “I am a self-made success?” We all have; however, the fact of the matter is simply this – there is no such thing as a self-made success. Sure, someone may have put in a lot of individual effort, but it just isn’t possible to become a success all by yourself. “News Flash” – You need to develop valued relationships with others to be successful. Bottom line – winning in the game of life takes help from other people (associations). Personally, I know of no one who has ever achieved great success without first developing valued relationships.
If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain.
If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees.
If you want one hundred years of prosperity, grow people!
– Chinese Proverb
When you stop to think about it, isn’t life really all about relationships? In fact, almost everything we do involves developing relationships with other people. I must warn you however, that the art of developing valued and winning relationships takes a great deal of work and understanding on our part. Why? Because people are different and each person brings different qualities to the relationship table. If we were all the same, some of us would not be necessary.
Values determine the quality of a relationship. Valued relationships are built over time, and are based on a foundation of personal character values that include trust, honesty, integrity, dependability, responsibility, and patience. Side Note: I have found that “trust” and “honesty”, are the two values that people treasure most, in a relationship. I have also found that it is very hard to rebuild trust, once it has been broken; and that we should never compromise our values just to satisfy toxic relationships.
Great relationships begin with a great attitude. Having a great attitude and a positive outlook on life will help attract other cheerful people. People you will want in your life.
Alliances – Alliances – Alliances – Who is in your circle?
Once people have experienced real synergy, they are never quite the same. – Stephen Covey