Black Belt Productivity

In John C. Maxwell’s book The 360° Leader, lead-across principle #3 is Be a Friend.  This is an interesting principle.  Work can be a very competitive environment.  However, in recent weeks, we have discussed how teamwork and working together with other leaders is vital to an organizations health.

One of the key elements of leadership is relationship building.  For may of us, work is not necessarily the place that we spend a lot of time building relationships.   Most of us just want people to leave us alone and allow us to do what we are paid to do.  If you want to develop influence, you must be willing to build relationships.  People will not follow unless they can trust you and they know you have their best interest in mind.

Friendship also helps us get through tough times in the office.  Having someone to lean on and share difficulty with is priceless.

How does John C. Maxwell tell us be a friend?

1.  Listen

2.  Find Common Ground Not Related to Work

3.  Be Available Beyond Business Hours

4.  Have a Sense of humor

5.  Tell the Truth When Others Don’t

Building relationships in the office can be beneficial in many ways.  If you want to be considered a leader in your organization, being a friend is vital to building influence within your organization.