John Maxwell says the first quality of a relational leader is the ability to understand how people feel and think. As we work with other people, we need to remember that all people, whether leaders or followers, have some things in common. People like to feel special, so sincerely compliment them. People want a better tomorrow, so show them hope. People desire direction, so help show them the way. People get low emotionally, so they need to be encouraged. People want to be successful, so help them win.
The ability to look at each person as an individual, understand him and connect with him is a major factor in successful relationships. Marketing expert Rod Nichols notes that in business if you deal with every customer in the same way, you will only close 25% of the deals because you will only relate with one personality type. But if you work with all four personality types, you can conceivably be 100% effective. It is called the ‘soft factor’ in leadership. You have to adapt your leadership style to the person you are leading.
We are all leading and influencing someone. How is the ‘soft factor’ going in the relationships in your life?
