I've found that as I age (turned 43 last week) that I am having more and more of the "kids these days-type" conversations. I had another two nights ago. At dinner with a few friends we talked about how "relationship" is going, or has gone out of business relationships. It seems these are more and more data-driven relations. ROI, efficiencies, cost saving mechanisms, outsourcing, are all not only common practice, but thwarting the actual relationship. Surely delivering success and savings, etc. is an integral part of good business, but the add on of the who we work with, and why we work with them, and the trusted pieces are of lesser importance.
We are even losing our relations on the personal level. Our lives are busier than ever and we often don't have any "room" to build relationships. We rush from one thing to another, are bombarded with technology, and time is sucked away. More and more we've got to be intentional about relationships. They have got to take a priority. We've got to recognize, nurture, and place emphasis on them in order to enjoy the fulfillment they offer.
Of all places, last night, The Office brought into existence the art of relationship, albeit over a few margaritas. Steve Carell's Michael Scott negotiated a big deal for Dunder Mifflin over an Awesome Blossom onion and some Baby-back ribs at Chili's, much to the shock of his hard-nosed boss. Now I am not saying the idiotic Scott is a saavy business guy, and much of the Dunder Mifflin experience is not exemplary, but there was an often overlooked, sweet spirit of relationship that showed up bar side at Chili's where a couple of guys talked, cared and wanted to do better and provide more to their respective stakeholders. And, having "related", trusted the other to do their part.
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