Relationships are the glue that holds humanity together. We’ve all heard that “no person is an island unto themself.” We are deeply rooted in our connections with others. Everything in our lives revolves around some kind of relationship. The relationships we have with others often dictates how satisfying and fulfilling our lives are. They can bring happiness or depression. You may not think that the cashier at the corner store can affect your life, but at the end of a long day, what they do can matter. If they pass on a witty joke that makes you laugh, you go home to your family with a smile on your face. If they try to bilk you on your change, you go home angry and may pass these feelings onto your spouse or children.
Relationships exist in our lives in many forms. We have them with our family and friends, our boss and coworkers, our teammates and even the server at our favorite coffee shop. When we are surrounded by good relationships, we feel better about ourselves. If we are surrounded by toxic ones, we struggle to find happiness and enjoyment in our lives. Some people have a tendency to become constantly ensnared by venomous relationships. They get bitten over and over again, but don’t know how to avoid them. They have no immunity to them and eventually their lives will feel the effects.
Are you one of these people?
Do you time and again find yourself disappointed in a friend or coworker who once again failed to follow through on a promise?
Do you always seem to be reaching for the Kleenex after consistent let downs in a relationship?
Does a coworker constantly seem to be badmouthing you at work while another one keeps passing the blame for their unfinished work onto you?
Does even the clerk at the mall seem to have it out for you?
This rash of unfortunate relationships may seem to be just ill-luck, but it goes further than that. We attract relationships. Like bird calls, we send out signals to other people, who in turn, answer them. Building a positive relationship is all about knowing what signals to send out.
Team Human Conversation
Fight workplace zombies in your organization and join Team Human! Gather a group of fellow workplace zombie hunters to discuss our most recent blog post. Use the questions below to kick start your conversation.
Identify those things at work that support you having a positive, open attitude. Discuss with your team.
Identify those things at work that hinder your positive, open attitude. Discuss with your team.
What are three things that you can do to change the environment to support you and your team to have a more consistent positive attitude?
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