Get to know the people who make your business run
The foundation of relationship-based leadership goes beyond creating friendships at work. When distribution leaders intentionally create solid working relationships — at all levels of the organization — trust, employee satisfaction, collaboration, and engagement improve.
Gandhi said: “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
In “How to Work with (Almost) Anyone,” Michael Bungay Stainer writes, “The quality of your working relationships determines your success and your happiness. Stop leaving it to chance.”
A leader who builds relationships might sound obvious, but it’s certainly not easy.
Here are 4 attributes of a relationship-based leader:
Authenticity: If you’re not authentic when engaging with your team and are only going through the motions to be perceived as a relationship-driven leader, your team will see right through it. You must genuinely be curious about getting to know your team and discard any assumptions you have before interacting with everyone.
Exemplary communicator: Good communication involves more than the words you use. For a relationship-driven leader, it’s about reading body language, active listening, and asking questions.
Respectful: Relationship-based leaders are kind, polite, and respectful when interacting with their team. Showing your gratitude helps make your team feel valued. Although some claim respect must be earned, we encourage you to assume positive intent until proven otherwise.
Open to feedback: When you show that you are receptive to constructive criticism, it models for your team that professional relationships can have challenging conversations and be better for them.
Take every opportunity to connect with team members you don’t normally work closely with every day, such as when your corporate team volunteers in the community. Working alongside others opens the door to building relationships.
Don’t forget, relationships need nurturing. As a leader, you must continue to be intentional about building relationships.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The September/October issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about American Producers Supply. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
