| | | | Information and Resources for Your Business and Life | | | | Inspiration, Tools & Tips! MAY 2022 | | | | Good Working Relationships How and Why You Should Have Them
It is sometimes difficult to get along with your coworkers. However, it certainly is worth the endeavor. Good working relationships are more important than ever because we all have to collaborate with each other every day. Though this can be easier said than done. It’s not impossible. You can get a proactive jump on forming positive workplace relationships as you read this month’s newsletter. | | | | | |
Online Bible Study The Online Bible Study is over and it was such a success. Please look at the FlipBook of the amazing trip to teach the final class in Miami. | |
Employment Offer A God Send, Inc. A federal 501(c)(3) non-profit has an offer for administrative support. The position is: - Part-time, one day slated for Friday. However, the day is negotiable.
- Payment is by 1099, NOT W-2
- $10.00/hr. more depending on experience
- More information can be found in the position description.
- If you want to apply, click here.
- If you know someone who is looking to work, please forward this information. You can also contact me, and I will reach out.
| | | | | | | | | |  June
| | | | | | | | | | Welcome back. Did you find yourself pondering the possibility of working with a coach? If so I pray you used the tips provided to make sure it was the best solution for you and you are researching to, choose wisely. This month we will discuss why it’s important to have good working relationships, how to build and maintain them, and even find ways to work with people that you don’t get along with.
| | | | Also, as I do every month, thanks to everyone who reached out. I get more and more excited as I see what God is doing with and in my life. It is an honor and a pleasure to give you tips and help you learn from my successes and failures. Please stay subscribed to receive more information, success stories, tips, freebies and much more.
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The benefits of good working relationships are far-reaching. They do not just end at work; we carry them through all the interactions in life. Good working relationships facilitate a higher level of innovation and creativity in the workplace. One of the most important benefits is that everyone can focus on opportunities rather than spending energy trying to overcome problems that are caused by poor work relationships.
Human beings are social creatures. When you consider we spend one-third of our lives at work, it’s clear that good relationships with colleagues will make our jobs more enjoyable. The more comfortable co-workers are around one other, the more confident they’ll feel voicing opinions, brainstorming, and going along with new ideas. Teamwork is essential to embrace change, create, and innovate. When coworkers see the successes of working together, group morale and productivity soars.
When you think about a good work relationship, what comes to mind? A team where: • Each member trusts the others. Everyone can be open and honest in their thoughts and actions. No one has to spend time or energy “watching their back.” • Each one has mutual respect and value for each other’s input. You work to find solutions based on collective insight, wisdom, and creativity. • Each team member takes responsibility for his/her words and actions and does not let their negative emotions impact the other team members. • Diverse people and opinions are not just accepted; the team welcomes them! The team factors the different “cultural” insights and perspective into the decision-making. • Effective communication is the standard. Whether you’re sending emails or IMs, or meeting face-to-face or on video calls, the more effectively you communicate with those around you, the better you’ll connect.
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you want to develop good working relationships: 1. Communication Counts Open lines of communication are critical to all relationships — both in and out of the office. Different people have different needs and preferences. Understanding your co-workers’ needs and delivering on them will help you enjoy a better working relationship and maximize productivity. What are your co-workers’ communication preferences? Does your boss prefer daily check-ins or weekly updates? Establishing ground rules for how and when you’ll communicate. This will eliminate confusion, irritation, and other negative emotions in the workplace.
2. Show Respect Just as your work is your top priority, your fellow co-workers’ feel the same about their roles and responsibilities. Be on time for meetings, treat everyone with courtesy, and honor the time and space of others.
3. Be Positive While there’s a time and place for venting, the workplace during work hours is not it. Avoid complaining about your boss and co-workers on the job. Not only does this damage your reputation as a professional person, but it also promotes a culture of negativity. If you function like this, you will become the person no one will want to work with. Rather than promoting a problem, commit to becoming part of the solution. Don’t spend your time and others so wastefully.
4. Listen Everyone has the potential to make a difference in the workplace. It does not matter what level or position they hold. Encourage and welcome ideas from others, and do not disparage or belittle anyone. This doesn’t mean you have to accept and implement ideas that would not be effective. It does mean you should treat people and their ideas with the same courtesy you would want to be treated.
5. Speak Up You have a unique set of knowledge, expertise, and ideas. Sharing these with your team members has the potential to make positive and effective change and it gives your co-workers a better sense of who you are and what you have to offer. In addition to sharing your ideas, it’s also essential to share your gratitude. If a fellow employee has helped with a task or contributed positively to a project, acknowledging their efforts can go a long way to building a sense of teamwork.
6. Be Accountable Everyone makes mistakes. (We talked about this last year in September) Errors are a fact of life. In most cases, they’re recoverable. What’s not recoverable? Making a mistake and putting the blame on another co-worker. If you miss a deadline or mess up an assignment, own it. Also, when a co-worker misses a deadline or messes up an assignment, don’t sell them out to management. (We talked about this last year in October ) Everyone needs the opportunity to remedy their mistakes. Offer your assistance along the way. Your support when they need it now may mean their support when you need it later.
7. Follow Up Along the same lines as being accountable, it’s also essential to follow up on your obligations. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you’re unable to complete the promised task, promptly inform your co-worker or boss. Again, missing deadlines is understandable, but attempting to cover up or run from the consequences may lead to disaster. Trust between co-workers is paramount, and following up on your commitments is an essential component in developing trust.
While you and your co-workers may never be besties, there’s no reason you can’t overcome personal differences and work together as a team. Use the tips listed and those you will find throughout the newsletter this month to develop and maintain professional relationships which are more than tolerable, they are fulfilling.
Check out the freebies this month. There are quizzes to help you assess your people skills and determine your emotional intelligence. There is also an article on dealing with difficult relationships. | | | | 
Business Application
You can’t operate a business without engaging people. Growing your company starts by establishing meaningful connections with others. Whether you’re building relationships with customers, clients, vendors, or other business leaders, aim to connect with them on a deeper level.
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| | Ministry Application
What can a church staff do to ensure healthy working relationships? Romans 12:18 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition states, "If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Nothing poisons the fellowship within a congregation/organization like strife within. It does not matter if it is leader to leader,
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| | Personal Application
How good are the relationships that you have with your colleagues? According to the Gallup organization, people who have a best friend at work are seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs. But it doesn’t have to be a “BFF.” Gallup found that people who simply have a good friend in the workplace are more
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| | | | | | | | Pamela Russell Ministry Information Prayer Line Name: “At God’s Door” Number: 951-981-7721, no passcode is needed. Time: 5:30- 6:00 a.m. EST, but you can log on earlier. Days: Sun-Sat, including holidays
If you want to be a part of prayer, but its a bit too early for you. We record each day and thy are available for you. Please contact us.
Additional Information: Online information about the prayer line Prayer Requests: Submit them here. The Current Devotional we are using is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. You have access to the entire year. We are using the update version, not the classic.
Please come and share with us.
We have put together a wonderful project to bring healing. 
You can listen to it here. We were approved so you can now also listen to it or download it from You Tube.
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FREEBIES
Here are this month’s free business, ministry and personal tools:
People Skills assessments If you need any help with any of these resources please contact me.
| | | | FEATURED COMPANY/CLIENT REVIEW | |
You can be featured whether you have been my client or not. If I understand your business and I believe you can help my readers, please reach out to me using my contact information at the bottom of this page. I would love to promote your services.
| | | | | | If you have done work with me, please submit a review, it would help me greatly.
Please click here. You will find a list of business review sites. Click the name of the site where you want to leave a review. You can place your review on one or as many as you like. Each review will help me so much, so I am thanking you in advance. If you want to leave a review for a site that is not listed, please contact me and let me know which site. | | | | Positive workplace relationships are essential elements to a healthy organization. They are even more valuable if you rely on teamwork to complete key tasks and activities. Regardless of whether you are a fresh employee or a CEO, getting along with your coworkers is important. It should be a top priority. While teamwork is essential, not everyone possesses this skill; which usually leads to work anxiety and social awkwardness. Take advantage of the information provided to ensure you take charge of your situation in the workplace and improve your communication skills. If you have questions or need any assistance, email us. You can also call us @ 904-830-0737. You can also set up a free consultation. | | | | | | “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford and Edward Everett Hale | | | | MORE From Business Development
Here are some ways you can show the people you do business with that you genuinely care: 1. Create A Valuable Product or Service Every relationship starts with an introduction, and sometimes for businesses, this is the hardest step.. It’s much easier to build a relationship when a visitor has discovered you from something valuable that you’ve created to help them. Play to your strengths.
2. Identify How You Can Provide Additional Value Find common ground and identify how you can add value with your time, resources, connections, or expertise.
3. Have Excellent Customer Service Customer service is paramount in your strategy for growth and relationship building. Work on perfecting every interaction with your customers to leave them as raving fans about your business.
4. Partner with Other Businesses Support and connect with businesses that feed one another and/or work well together. Think of businesses that you love, talk with their owners and find creative ways to bundle yourselves together because there is power in numbers!
5. Focus on Mutual Success Focus on the success of others and be honest. No one wants to work with someone who is only in it for themselves. The best business relationships happen when both owners focus on mutual success and trust.
6. Build Trust and Establish Credibility The key to relationship building is trust and credibility. Authenticity is a given. Treat every client as if they represent you. Be absolutely committed to their success. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the talk. If you meet a person or owner of an organization who might benefit from another connection, make the introduction. That is the heart of networking. You reap what you sow.
7. Focus on Relational Value, Not Transactional Value Cultivate your network and relationships each day. Don’t approach people in a transactional nature. Meet with them or call periodically. Get to know their needs, values and what drives them. Ask yourself, “How can I be of service and value to them?” Remember, it isn’t about you, it is about them.
8. Treat People How You Would Want to be Treated People buy from people they like. Treat customers and clients like you would treat great friends and beloved family members. Be yourself, be vulnerable and show a personal interest in them, not just the business value that you already offer. Again, you reap what you sow.
9. Put Your Customer First Put your customer first, even if it costs you more than you gain initially. In the long run, your customer will remember what you did, and you putting them first will pay off handsomely.
10. Stay True to Your Business Values Clear and consistent business and personal core values help align all stakeholders, both internal and external. Being willing to hire, fire and lose money for your values. Why? Your values communicate a strong brand promise and ensure a shared vision. The shared vision and aligned values serve as the basis of strong relationships with your employees, the right customers, prospects, and other peers.
| | | | MORE From Ministry Development
leader to member or member to member. Though the ways, already given, for building good working relationships will work in the church/non-profit setting, here are some additional tips that are more family centered.
1. Pray together The family that prays together, stays together. Non-profit organizations and churches are family, drawn together by a central cause. Pray for each other’s families, giving thanks for one another’s talents, gifts, experience, calling, and spirit. When you take the time to recognize the value of the people you work with, you are more likely to work harder to be at peace with them.
2. Get the staff families together regularly. Have backyard cookouts and covered dish dinners from home to home. Play board games involving the children. Whatever you do, do not schedule a program or entertainment. Let it happen. It will. (Such informal times are far more valuable than taking everyone out to a fancy restaurant.)
3. Do not skimp on regular staff meetings Make adjustments to plan the calendar, solve problems, and schedule events. As the pastor or executive director, you should make sure everyone gives priority to the meetings. You should also find ways to make them more enjoyable. Laughter is a tremendous bonding agent.
4. Communicate appreciation publicly. Speaking positively of anyone to the other members of the organization can build harmony. It does not just have to be the staff or a volunteer. It can just be a member of the congregation/organization. Often we don’t know how we can provide a positive impact just by being ourselves.
5. Play together. Whether the staff prefers tennis or golf or they go bowling, the camaraderie that results when you have fun together is worth the trouble.
6. Pray together I believe, all you do with your ministry and even your non-profit should begin and end with prayer.
Links to support resources can be found in the Freebie Section. There are quizzes to help you assess your people skills and determine your emotional intelligence. There is also an article on dealing with difficult relationship.
If you have questions or need any assistance, email us. You can also call us @ 904-830-0737. You can also set up a free consultation.
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| | MORE From Personal Development
likely to be happy. Do you put in enough time to build relationships at work?
You have to understand the three different categories of work relationships in order to build each one effectively. There is the relationship between you and your peers, you and your boss, and you and the clients/customers (stake holders) you serve. In your effort to build and maintain good working relationships with everyone, each requires different finesse. - You and your boss - If you can have regular one-on-ones, that would be great. These can be relationship building times. You can show how your work fits with the organization’s “bigger picture,” communicate your strengths, and allow your boss to identify areas to develop. You can also get your boss to identify how he/she prefers to work, anticipate his/her needs, and adapt your approach for a smoother relationship.
- You and the clients/customers (stake holders) - You’ll also benefit from developing good work relationships with stakeholders. These are the people who have a stake in your success or failure, such as customers, suppliers, and your team. Forming a bond with them will help you ensure that your projects and career stay on track.
As you know from your oldest friends, building close connections with people can take time. But there are also steps you can take today to get on better with your colleagues.
1. Identify Your Relationship Needs Do you know what you need from others? And do you know what they need from you? Understanding these needs can help to build better relationships.
2. Develop Your People Skills Good relationships start with good people skills. Take a people-skills quiz to test how well you collaborate, communicate, and deal with conflict. There are three in the freebie section.
3. Focus on Your EI Emotional intelligence EI is your ability to recognize your own emotions and better understand what they’re telling you. By developing your EI, you’ll become more adept at identifying and handling the emotions and needs of others. Take an emotional intelligence quiz, there are two in the freebie section.
4. Practice Mindful Listening People respond better to those who truly listen to what they have to say. By practicing mindful listening , you’ll talk less and understand more. And you’ll quickly become known as trustworthy.
5. Schedule Time to Build Relationships Impromptu conversations are great. However, when you set aside time for someone, it makes them feel you are truly interested in them. Going out is not a convenient as it used to be and there may not be any more break room sit downs. However, you could comment on a co-worker’s TicTok, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn post you enjoyed reading. These little interactions take time, but lay the groundwork for strong relationships.
6. Manage Your Boundaries Make time, but not too much! Sometimes, a work relationship can impair productivity, especially when a friend or colleague begins to monopolize your time. It’s important to set your boundaries and manage how much time you devote to social interactions at work.
7. Appreciate Others Everyone, from your boss to the intern, wants to feel that their work is appreciated. So, genuinely compliment your co-workers when they do something well. Praise and recognition will open the door to great work relationships.
8. Be Positive Spend some time thinking about the words that are positive. Positivity is contagious and people gravitate to those that make them feel good. I’m sure you have heard, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” Mostly that works. However, sometimes positivity has to be given as constructive criticism. Just make sure it is constructive.
9. Avoid Gossiping Office politics and gossip can ruin workplace relationships. If you’re experiencing conflict with someone in your group, talk to them directly about the problem. Gossiping with other colleagues will only exacerbate the situation, accelerating mistrust and animosity.
Links to support resources can be found in the Freebie Section. There are quizzes to help you assess your people skills and determine your emotional intelligence. There is also an article on dealing with difficult relationship.
If you have questions or need any assistance, email us. You can also call us @ 904-830-0737. You can also set up a free consultation.
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