Are You Being Proactive or Reactive in Relationships Right Now?

As we know, networks are important because they can translate into tangible, significant professional opportunities.

There is a growing body of research proving this, however now more ever relationships matter, and we all can play a part in ensuring our networks survive the current reality of a disconnected world!

How much more can life throw at us? Market changes, role changes, restructures, home based work, and school, and of course the ever-changing restrictions to name just a few!?

Leaders are admitting that conversations have shifted considerably over the last year and a half, not only are you dealing with the above changes for yourself, but you are also helping your teams manage the emotional complexities that go with it.?

Some are more in tune that others, some care more than others and most just want to get back to some kind of “new normal”.

I recently read about ‘Pandemic Fatigue’, which certainly resonated with me in my third lockdown right now with no end in sight. I’m a big believer in focusing on what you can control, so we need to get motivated towards what we want things to be like, which starts with proactively tapping into connections now.?

It’s very easy to fall into being reactive as we are juggling so much and at times, it’s just too hard. We thought it would end a lot sooner and so waiting for that isn’t an option either.

Many of my clients have shared that close circles have gotten closer and outer circles, weaker over this time. That makes sense as it’s the people you are in touch with like your immediate team. As we all know, it is too late to build a relationship when you need it most, so I urge you to take a wider, more proactive view.

Networking, at its core, is about relationship building. If we can’t do it in person, we need to find every genuine way to do it otherwise.

First you need to understand who your network is and the value of the relationships within in. Many LTT groups have mapped their networks with me over the years, so you have a good starting point.

Your network will now have changed, especially if you haven’t given it too much attention. Hopefully, this is a reminder to re-map and re- prioritise.

This starts with moving one-way relationships to two-way. One-way is easy because they are transactional and often operational. Shifting to managing an entire network with two–way relationships is not an easy process, but well worth the ripple effect when you do.

As leaders, we often think we need to stay strong, game face on, but depth in relationships requires a readiness to let others in. Lean on your networks during tough times. Our common struggles will be the glue that holds us all together.

If you are feeling out of touch with your fellow humans, you’re not alone. As a Mum and Businessperson, I am so concerned as I learn how people here and all around the world are becoming increasingly anxious about a return to normal and a reintegration into society for work, school, and social gatherings after so much isolation.

We are missing so much, and time is passing. We cannot underestimate the ‘water cooler’ or serendipitous encounters we once took for granted. Getting buy in for an idea while walking to the meeting room, running into a peer at the gym. Studies show that such random encounters increase innovation and productivity and of course, with distancing, this has suffered immensely.

We are yet to hear the true impact to relationships but given the number of calls to Lifeline a day, I’m predicting it’s not good!

So, let’s agree to proactively stay on top of our networks. Do what we can to come out of this with all our relationships intact, and better still, even stronger!

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Here are few reminders;

1. Check in – random calls, no agenda.
2. Ask better questions – open not assumptive
3. Practice gratitude and kindness – let people know they are appreciated
4. Tune into the emotions – read between the lines
5. Ask how you can help - even better refer and recommend.

It has never been easier to reach someone but it’s harder to truly connect!

Utilise technology, find creative ways to proactively show your human side and most importantly, if the relationship is important to you, take control and stay in touch with your connections until we can gather in person again.

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Contact Relatus to discuss our self paced & facilitator lead programs to help you power up your networks. Follow?Relatus ?and connect with Julia on?Linkedin .?