Life is full of people. There are over 7.5 billion people on earth today. The relationships you have with these people are key. You live every day interacting with others, even if it is just digitally. The relationships you have with family, friends, and coworkers give you meaning and purpose. Don’t ignore those around you.
My dad is an elementary school principal and he switched schools a few years ago. As he left, he had teachers cry and get really upset to see him moving on because of the relationships they built with him. During his transition he told Austin and I, “Relationships are everything.” You want people around you to know that you care about them. “People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care.”-Someone Famous
In case you missed it, LeBron is going to LA! I’m a Miami Heat fan, so having LeBron out of the East will increase our chances of advancing in the playoffs. After the NBA Finals, LeBron’s initial comments focused around his family. Back when LeBron took his talents to South Beach, and then came back to Cleveland, his kids were too young to know any different. LeBron made his decision this year around his family as well as choosing a location to try and win an NBA championship. His decision was more than just career success, he cares about the people closest to him.
We can’t sit back and expect someone else to make all of the effort to keep a friendship going. If you expect the other person to keep it going, you can’t be upset if it fizzles out. You have to be willing to send texts, make calls, send pages, or whatever the kids are doing these days. Friendships will change over time. College students, you won’t be interacting with your friends as often as you do now. Living in dorms or apartments together creates specials friendships for this season of life. As you grow older, you won’t be spending multiple hours a day with your friends. You will have families and live in different parts of the country than your college roommates. If you want those friendships, or any friendships, you have to make an effort to stay in contact. Keep in touch with people who are important to you.
For all of business majors, people are your greatest asset. Your employees are more important than profit or sales goals. When you put relationships first, business success will follow. When your employees are happy and feel appreciated, they will then better serve customers. When you put profits first, people become numbers. When you put people first, profits will follow.
Achieving success is never worth sacrificing the people you care about. Relationships fuel you and give you purpose. No amount of money, power, or respect will make up for a lack of deep relationships. Don’t associate yourself with people just to get something in return. People see through phonies. Seek relationship over reward.
Care about those around you.
Serve those around you.
Make an effort.
Develop meaningful relationships.
Relationships are everything.
I appreciate you.
-JP