We continue our series on how to build interpersonal relationships, whether with family, coworkers, friends, or that special someone. Commitment and love are important to all of us; they are worth fighting for; they are worth working for. You also should know that in spite of many promises there is no secret for success, no checklist of things to do, and just as importantly no checklist of things not to do. But we do have suggestions, now continuing with the letter D. The focus is on dance, dependable, determined, and debonair.
D is for dance. You may draw the conclusion that we are talking about dating and intimate relationships. Of course dancing is a great way to get the object of your affection into your arms early in the game. Dancing can also be a fine way to keep the home fires burning, if you know what I mean. But dancing is also important in other relationships. Here we are not talking about dancing with a friend's spouse or a co-worker at the office Christmas party. If you dance under those circumstances make sure to stay away from his or her arms. Keep a clear distance between you and make it short. To build work and other non-intimate, non-romantic relationships, you really have to dance the dance. Otherwise you may have to face the music.
D is for dependable. It is so important that people know they can count on you. Just think what it means to a harassed administrator to know that he or she need not check up on you continuously. You got the assignment, you verified some sticky points, and now the ball is in your court. You don't have to be reminded what to do, and you deliver status reports without being told or even asked. You are dependable. Guess who should be in line for a promotion? Dependability is just as important in personal relationships, whether it be doing the dishes, driving the kids to day camp, or whatever.
D is for determined. Make your decision and go out there and do what you have to do. Don't dally and don't waver. People will know that you can and that you will make it happen. And when your yes means yes, they will more readily accept your occasional no.
D is for debonair. There is nothing wrong with dressing well. Don't be a dandy, and don't overdo it. When my wife dressed appropriately for her job as a teacher's aide, in the director's eyes she did not rate consideration as a teacher. Then she started dressing fancier. She was hired just as soon as the first teaching job became available. The extra cleaning bills were definitely worth it. Dress the part, the part that you want.
We continue with our series that describes how to build interpersonal relationships, whether with family, coworkers, friends, or that special someone. Commitment and love are important to all of us; they are worth fighting for; they are worth working for. Unfortunately despite many promises there is no secret for success, no checklist of things to do, and just as importantly no checklist of things not to do. But we do have suggestions, now continuing with the letter E. Our focus is on earnest, emotional, and encouraging.
E is for earnest. This quality is so important one of the English language's greatest writers, Oscar Wilde, wrote a play entitled, "The Importance of Being Earnest." Or perhaps it was "The Importance of Being Ernest." Anyway, being earnest means being serious, really serious. If you are earnest people know that you mean business. In fact more than that, they know you really mean what you say. They know you'll get it done instead of saying let George do it. You don't pass the buck. But there is a downside - in some workplaces guess who will be given the thankless tasks, the ones that nobody wants. Did I hear Ernie? I know I didn't hear George.
E is for emotional. You are not a bloodless automaton. You've got a heart. Perhaps you even cry in the corner when nobody sees you. That's a good thing. Because you have an inner self and you are in touch with your inner self you can reach out to people. The more you reach out, the more people will reach out to you. They realize that they don't have to hide their feelings in your presence. They, too, can be themselves. The way I look at it, we need more people who are emotional in all parts of their life, including the workplace. Just remember, don't let the boss catch you in tears when you are turned down for a promotion. That won't help your chances the next time.
E is for encouraging. This quality is also sorely lacking not only in the business world but also on the personal plane. People need encouragement. They need to know that they can do it and that someone is rooting for them. Isn't that a lot better than being negative, telling people that they just are not good enough? You can be encouraging; I know you can. Don't let anything stop you.
Levi Reiss has sinced written about articles on various topics from Touring Italy, Travel and Leisure and Food and Drink. Levi Reiss teaches computer and Internet classes in an Ontario French-language community college. He wrote ten computer and Internet books and now builds web sites. He is particularly proud of his new English and French (with translations) love and relat. Levi Reiss's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.