5 Tools for building successful relationships

First, gain them, then learn to use them.

Have you ever stopped to consider how many different kinds of relationships we develop over a lifetime? And don’t we all want to be successful in starting and maintaining those relationships that are important to us?

Do you have a toolbox of required skills?

What are some useful skills that we can put into our toolbox?

Don’t worry. They’re not too complicated or technical for us to master their use. However, for some, they seem to be invisible because they never find them. For others, they’re able to see them but for different reasons they ignore them. And for many more, they see and use them but are constantly losing them. Here is an invaluable tip…

The best skills in your toolbox are useless until you put them in your hand and learn to use them properly.

Filling the toolbox

As you examine the following skills, evaluate your proficiency with each. Give each skill a current status symbol using these designations:

Invisible — don’t seem to have these skills.

Ignored —I have these skills but don’t see the importance of using them.

Constantly losing — My use of this skill is hit-and-miss. I’m not consistent.

Building a set of skills to fill our toolbox

Smile — Whether we’re meeting a person for the first time or the hundredth time, a smile is essential. Why? A smile is contagious and we humans seem to copy the emotional vibes of others, so a good attitude on our part, indicated by our smile, can create the same feelings in the person we’re interacting with, facilitating a good first and lasting impression. (The Power of a Smile)

Genuine Warmth — This skill is revealed through the focus of our interest. If our thoughts are centered sincerely on the person we’re interacting with, this will be revealed naturally through our speech. Why is this necessary? When you manifest warmth, this can effectively draw the other person to you like an inviting fire on a chilly day. (Expressing Genuine Warmth)

Listening — Being a good listener broadens our perspective and allows us to see the needs and viewpoints of others. Good listeners are considered to be patient, another quality that draws other to us. (Be a Good Listener)

Are you beginning to see the pattern here?

The skills that fill our relationship toolbox are those that naturally draw others to us. If we are diligent in maintaining these great skills, it stand to reason that we will be able to maintain and build strong, long-lasting relationships as well.

Now, let’s add a few more tools.

Humility — Is the ability to recognize that, while our needs are important, so are the needs of others. Humility is the door that allows us to be open to other people, allowing them to feel safe and comfortable in our association. Genuine humility is admired and respected by others.

Positive Motivation—Allows us to respond to changes in a way that is best for all concerned. It allows us to adapt in a balanced way when facing opportunities or threats. This positive vibe transmits to those around us. (The Power of Positive Internal Motivation)

Can it be as simple as that

In one word, yes!

Finding the skills is simple, however, acquiring them for ourselves and then putting them to good use takes commitment and practice.

Successful relationships will display many, if not all, of these skills. And individuals who are part of these successful relationships have a similar mental attitude…

If it is to be…It’s up to me