Ducks in a Row: a Relationship by Any Other Name…
by Miki SaxonConscious decisions made as the result of real conversations lead to better outcomes.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a boss and worker, colleagues, friends, parent and child, romantic liaison, or a marriage.
Relationships are the result of two people interacting together.
Relationships can be over in an instant or last a lifetime, but those that last longest have one thing in common.
Communication.
Decisions are founded on the ability to communicate
Call it the difference between just happening and intentional decisions.
New research shows that how thoughtfully couples make decisions can have a lasting effect on the quality of their romantic relationships. (…) “Making decisions and talking things through with partners is important,” said Galena K. Rhoades, a relationship researcher at the University of Denver and co-author of the report. “When you make an intentional decision, you are more likely to follow through on that.”
Although the research described in the article is focused on marriages, it can be applied just as well to the workplace.
In short, creating strong relationships, at work or away, requires the kind of good communications that lead to intentional decisions.
And it all starts by knowing yourself.
“At the individual level, know who you are and what you are about, and make decisions when it counts rather than letting things slide,” Dr. Stanley said. “Once you are a couple, do the same thing in terms of how you approach major transitions in your relationship.”
Try it; I believe you’ll find that the results make it worth the time and effort.
Flickr image credit: Katy Ereira