The Key to Success in Business and Life

Successful relationships, both business and personal, require the investment of time. Never is the relationship positioned where time is not required for growth. Both begin with the expectation that they will be sustained and grow over time.

Approaching from a personal perspective, we as individuals are responsible for what we bring to the table in any relationship.  Whatever we are lacking may potentially negatively impact the relationship.  It isn’t realistic to expect the other person to ‘fill-in’ the gaps we have. We should be as complete as possible.  While there is always room for improvement, if it doesn’t exist, it cannot be improved. There is a confidence we possess that enables us to enter a relationship and contribute to its sustainability. We anticipate that confidence to be unwavering and conduct ourselves accordingly.  We expect to see positive outcomes associated with our confidence and the time invested.

There are many other traits we possess that contribute to the success of a relationship. Those traits include caring, respect, being present, and resilience.  Each of these traits should be part of our identity that we show towards ourselves and contribute to the sustainability of the relationship. These same personal relationship traits also contribute to the success of a business relationship.

Successful business relationships depend on the positive contribution of each partner.  If these positive traits truly represent the individual, they will be easily shared, valued, and potentially beneficial to the business.  

As business relationships grow, traits that strengthen the foundation include trust, honesty, being transparent, dependable, and understanding.  These traits are necessary for sustainable growth. Being present, informed, and engaging in the business is of necessity. Each partner has a voice and should be heard. We must be able to set aside differences, and still find a way to come together to a mutually acceptable decision in the best interest of the business. Forward thinking is critical when exploring and or resolving differences. Other traits are similar values, goals, and good communication skills.  The last trait I’d like to add is loyalty. Being loyal to the business and partner.

While I’ve made the effort to separate personal and business relationships, many see them as one.  Consider the ‘business of being in a relationship.’  The keys to success for both are basically the same.  Unfortunately, both require time and time is limited. It becomes necessary to prioritize what can and cannot be accomplished. How will the tasks be divided equally and is this possible? This is where being honest with oneself is imperative, and having the trust of the other individual is necessary. Equality doesn’t exist in either relationship or shouldn’t be expected. Instead of equality, try to achieve realistic and/or fairness.

To further complicate this topic, I’d like to add the ‘business of living.’  Life is full of business and relationship concepts we negotiate with daily as individuals. Our status as an individual, or in a personal/business relationship, requires us to express the aforementioned traits, as appropriate.  These traits are all achievable and necessary to build strong successful relationships.