This is the first of a series of short articles introducing the Active Listening chapter from The Journey Inside
The Relationship Journey is a road map to building trust, deeper connections, and stronger relationships with colleagues and clients through active listening.
We know that relationships take time to build.
In this fast-paced world though, we continually seek to make things happen quicker, to get to the end goal, be it a sale, a merger, a project, or a strategic change. We think we have spoken to all the right people, have put the processes in place, and believe we have done all we need to do to achieve success. Yet we find obstacles appearing in our way, things not happening the way we want them to, our calls are not being taken, and we start noticing entrenched positions arising on both sides.
What happened?
We have not built the relationships well enough; we have missed out on some of the crucial steps, and trust is not where we thought it should be.
What can we do?
The social life of man requires the investment of many resources for its management since interdependence, mutual influence and emotional attunement in relationships are complex.
Trust is the basis of any relationship.
Thank you Aldo for your thoughts. I agree trust is THE basis for any and all relationships. Takes time to build or earn and a moment to break or lose it. Colin
Deep listening and relationship building is anathema to “we continually seek to make things happen quicker.” Looking forward to your development here, Colin.
So true Jeff, thank you. It is the difference between infinite and finite games, relationships, journeys. We all value the infinite yet think we want the finite. As you say deep listening, or feeling heard, takes time as does building a relationship. We can, for sure, begin small, a spark is enough to be the start of a long, great, meaningful relationship. So the more we show up as who we really are, without expectation, the more sparks get lite. Colin
Interesting topic, Colin, and I’ll have to think about what some next steps could be!
Thank you Susan, I smiled at your curiosity. As it is you Susan, intent, breathing, equality, personal preparation are some of the steps that are on their way. Colin
great series Colin and looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you Garry, much appreciated. Colin
I will be watching for your articles Colin. Very important topic.
thank you!
Thank you Laurie, most kind. You are right an important topic and one I am passionate about. Colin