Nuturing Relationships

"I am a big believer that you have to nourish any relationship. I am still very much a part of my friend's lives and they are very much a part of my life." - Nancy Reagan

Into the tapestry of who you are is woven every relationship that touches your life. These relationships are the fibers of your connections to the human network around you...

... Each relationship in your life is an investment of your time, your energy, and you… Relationships can either be problematic or solution based; they can infuse you with energy or drain you; they can either enrich your experience or deplete it. Basically, the manner in which you interact with each person in your life will impact your overall well-being. - Cherie Carter-Scott

Ways to nurture relationships

In her book, "If Success is a Game, These are the Rules", Cherie Carter-Scott argued that human beings are social creatures. She shared 8 important ways we can tend to these relationships:

• Always keep your word – you are only as good as your word.
• Appreciate those around you, and let them know it – do not take anyone for granted.
• Go the extra mile for them – even though it does not benefit you directly or immediately. Doing this will create goodwill.
• Treat others with respect – listen when they speak. Show up on time.
• Forgive when necessary – forgive mistakes, practice empathy and compassion.
• Honor the human in them – show that you care for their well-being. Be interested and involved with their victories and disappointments.
• Pay attention to details – make it easy for people to do business with you. Take the obstacles out of their way. Listen to their needs and wants.
• Communicate clearly – most people are not mind readers. Be clear you’re your intentions, your desires, and your needs. Articulate your expectations. Express your concern when necessary.

The above principles apply also to business relationships.

"A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption of our work, he is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider to our business, he is a part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so." – Mahatma Gandhi.

So, if you want an accounting of your worth, count your friends.