What is return on relationship? The purpose of the relationships you have should be considered and reevaluated periodically. Especially after a year like 2020, when relationships of all kinds were pulled in various directions, aligning the value of the relationship with the purpose it serves is more important than ever.
How do you figure out where your relationships stand? Think about the purpose. Is the original purpose of the relationship still valid? Has it evolved over time? Has it diminished? Maybe the purpose or the value of it no longer exists?
Types of relationships to evaluate
During this episode, I discuss how outside factors can initiate changes in the relationships we have in networking groups, memberships, sponsorships and work.
In a recent LinkedIn post, author John Ruhlin shares what he believes is more important than a return on investment and that is the return on relationship. He explains how he created an exclusive version of his book, Giftology, and sent it to Michael Hyatt. The result of this extra effort – the return on relationship – created opportunities that would not have happened otherwise.
The value Ruhlin put into creating a relationship and the intention behind his actions came back to him in ways far more valuable than if he had simply sent Hyatt a copy of his book that could have been bought off the shelf at a bookstore.
Work relationships
A major relationship in our lives focuses on our work – co-workers, leaders, clients. Yet another LinkedIn post written by Monte Pedersen shared this sentiment: If we truly believe the purpose of our work relationships is to see to the success of the organization, then the relationship between a manager and the direct reports is critically important.
This relationship is one to be built on a foundation of trust and respect. Working relationships have been put to the test over the last year and a half – working remotely, transitioning back to an office environment or hybrid work situation – the dynamics of the working relationship has changed.
And this relationship has the power to turn a day into a good one or a bad one.
What is your personal return on relationship?
What relationships do you need to evaluate? Are there some that you wonder if the reason the relationship started is still valid or necessary? Are you hanging on to it because it is easier? Or is there some other reason?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: Friends for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. What is the common thread here? The purpose of the relationship.
Some relationships serve a reason. Some relationships serve a season. And others are there for a lifetime.
