In the current busy Covid 19 world that we find ourselves in, electronic communication has become the most frequently used means of passing information and communicating with each other. Email, zoom, teams, etc now dominates communication channels internally and externally to businesses. This has allowed us to enhance information flow, share knowledge, provide consistency of communication and feedback. At what expense to developing interpersonal relationships through the simple face-to-face communication.
Some of the problems we face as a result of electronic communication are:
- people are bombarded with an overabundance of information, often poorly presented so they are less willing to read and deal with all the messages aimed at them
- no one really puts all these rapid-firemessages in context, so a lot of information lacks significance or meaning
- effective interpretation and use of the information still dependon the relationship the receiver has with the sender
Accurate interpretation and effective message delivery depend on relationships of trust and shared context. Technology doesn't make messages more useful unless good interpersonal relationships are in place first. Simply put, relationships determine meaning.
Of course, some relationships can be created electronically, but meaningful relationships based on trust are exceptions rather than the rule.
Building positive interpersonal relationships, business or otherwise, is part of the Huginn & Muninn way. Open communications and shared experiences result in positive interactions, . even if they are just temporary encounters. Positive relationships create positive energy and positive people are pleasant to be around, they uplift us, and they help us flourish. We are constantly building relationships that are positive and that create energy, with important psychological, emotional, intellectual and social consequences.
Positive relationships help people feel safe and secure, people are less distracted by feelings of anxiety, frustration or uncertainty. We are all more inclined to seek information, resources and support from people who are positively energising. As you can see around us, the amount of information exchange, participation, and commitment with other people is significantly higher when relationships are positive, resulting in higher levels of productivity and success.
Not surprisingly, a company's performance is also enhanced by the presence of positive relationships amongst people. Positive relationships foster cooperation, so the things that get in the way of highly successful performance such as conflict, disagreements and confusion – are minimised. Employees are more loyal and committed to the work and to the company when positive relationships exist and information exchange, dialogue and knowledge transfer are significantly enhanced. Creativity and innovation as well as the ability of the system to adapt to change (agility), are substantially higher when positive relationships characterise the workforce.
It is hard to find a reason why people would not want to build and enhance positive relationships with others. Creating such relationships is not difficult with people who are like minded.
At Huginn & Muninn, we believe the most important skill in building and strengthening positive relationships is the ability to communicate with people in a way that enhances feelings of trust, openness and support – that is how we support our clients in their strategic journey.