Creating Effective and Efficient Relationships
Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very delicate things, that require extra effort to maintain. However, a relationship can also be something that can provide security and can also be long-lasting despite many trials.
Building effective and lasting relationships is especially necessary in Business for several reasons. For example in a business-customer relationship, the well being of all parties depends on how efficient and effective communication, quality and delivery are handled
An ineffective business relationship can really be very frustrating for both the business principals and the customer base
Society is defined as a web of relationships, which requires all parties to work and contribute their share in order to achieve a common goal. Having a relationship that is good, where cooperation and respect are manifested, can make society work better. In this way, each member works for the good of the whole and towards achieving a common goal. This can only be attained with honest, effective and efficient relationships.
Understanding the customer’s needs and providing clear solutions helps in creating an effective and efficient relationship. The easiest method to understand what is important to another party is to ask them what they want and listen to what they have to say. When the other party realizes this, they would feel the importance given to them
Effective and efficient relationships require parties to openly express their feelings and positions on all matters pertaining to the relationship. Assuming that the other party understands our needs and give us when we need it without asking for it is not a good practice.
One interesting experience with a client years ago was the suggestion to quit using the “Phone-Tree Auto Answering System” and replace with qualified and well-trained humans to answer the phone, ASK the appropriate questions and route all calls or take a detailed message to be forwarded to the person to whom the call was addressed. The concern of the added coat was indicated, but I assured them sales and profits would increase to more than offset the “cost”. It worked!
Respect is the key to relationships. In order to create a more effective relationship, parties should treat each other with respect. We can show respect just by listening actively to the other party and by trying sincerely to understand how they function. You can also show respect to other parties by confirming you understand and 
appreciate their concerns and needs.
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The opposite of respect is a quick forming of judgments based on unfounded facts and prejudice.
Respect is the very foundation for a great relationship. This also means respecting yourself and respecting others.
Another key area in forming an effective relationship is to tackle the differences of the other party directly. Differences between parties or people are quite interesting. For example in a conversation where each party listens to the other party, you may observe that each is having two different perspectives.
The business person ASKS appropriate questions and listens effectively to the answers and then provides a clear solution to the stated problem. The result is a win-win solution for both parties.
Effectively listening and no pre-judging. This is important if parties are to understand each other.
Informal discussions are conducive for enhancing the relationship building. They bring out issues and concerns comfortably. They also feel more relaxed making them think more clearly.
Relationships are important to anyone, addressing issues and problems right away is a must to further improve the relationship. As they say ‘No Man is an Island’.
Awesome post. Absolutely true about relationships.
In business the parties involved have to be able to listen to each other, communicate openly, and respect each other. Of course, this does not mean that the parties involved have to accept, support, or condone every action taken by the other party to remain in business or in a relationship.
The real key is open, honest communication without the backlash of judgement, but with truth involved.
Thanks for sharing.
Nancy
Always appreciate your input, Nancy.
I guess you knew HOW TO listen to Mr. Kitty Kat
Absolutely. Thank you for sharing Mr. Kitty Kat’s story.
Totally agreed, especially about the phone tree! I hate calling AT&T and arguing with their computer for 12 minutes before I’m able to get a human on the line — and they claim to be a communications company!
I have in my library a fascinating book, long out of print, called Give the Lady What She Wants. It’s the story of the Marshall Fields company during Fields’ life. (You will notice they don’t exist any more. They didn’t pay attention to his book.) Listening to the customer was one of his greatest dictums. He would say you couldn’t give a person what she wants unless you listened to what she said. (paraphrased)
Too frequently, salespeople are so busy selling, they don’t even know what the customer is buying. Both lose.
Great insights in your comment, J.L.
With texting, etc. I fear so much is lost today.
The nuance of voice listened to carefully can yield a treasure trove of the real direction the prospect is
heading and more easily allow a proper solution!
If only businesses would take your clear and careful advice! In my experience, technology has given us a false sense that we can easily connect with people and businesses. What it has actually done is overconnected us in a way that slows the process down and interferes with effective communication. For example, you call a service provider on the phone but there is a 40 minute wait, so you try their Facebook Page or Twitter or their website where a message must be sent and hopefully answered back within a reasonable period of time. All of these options require personnel. It’s so personal, it’s impersonal! I so miss talking to a real person!
Sorry I missed this, Dorothy.
Thank you for your valuable input.
I encouraged a client company to switch from a “phone tree” to a professional receptionist and their sales and repeat sales increased 60% in 6 months.
Thank you for your insight, Dorothy.
I encouraged a manufacturing client to switch form the “Phone Tree” to a professional receptionist,
and their sales and repeat sales increased 60% in 6 months