This month, I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships and their power and purpose. Taking the time to invest in our relationships can bring so much joy to our lives and our work.
We all know relationships are not effortless, and conflict is always a part of them. But during those times of conflict, it’s so important to remember that you’re growing together.
I shared a recent post that said when two people fight, remember it is the individuals against the problem, not versus each other. It’s not about winning over another person or being right; it’s about solving the problem together so you can both become stronger. By navigating conflict together, you end up building a deeper trust in each other.
This isn’t just a personal lesson. I’ve found it’s just as true in the workplace. We spend every day working with people, and having strong relationships can bring such happiness to our work.
If we can approach our daily work conflicts with the relationship being the most important thing, focusing on how we’ll work together to tackle the core issue, we can build a culture based on collaboration and joy. And really, who doesn’t want to work in that kind of environment?
In my lifetime so far, I’ve built so many long-lasting relationships — from those I met in my first career in Green Bay to friends with whom I grew up. It is one of the most important aspects of my life to show up and make sure that every relationship I have brings joy and happiness. That looks different for each one, but in the end, it’s about the effort.
It comes down to a few things. Relationships matter. The way you treat people matters. How you open yourself up to feedback matters, and how you provide it matters just as much. The intentional effort you put into these connections is what creates happiness in your life and a more collaborative world.
