Working collaboratively with people isn't easy. If you're the type of person that struggles in this area then being put in a group setting is probably one of your least favorite things to do. It can be an agonizing feeling that creates more knots in your stomach than a boy scout convention.
The reality is that relationships make the world go round and exist in every aspect of our society, so there's no way of avoiding them. If you're a fan of the TV series Lost, you'd know that much to his chagrin, Sawyer still had to depend on his castaways for help from time to time, essentially proving that no man is an island.
It may not be the easiest thing in the world to do but with a little practice, it is possible to take the "work" out of teamwork to make it work.
You might be saying, "Why would I have to practice dealing with people?"
I'm reminded of the words of my former music teacher, Mr. King used to impress the importance of regular practice as a way of getting better. This probably explains why I'm such a horrible trombone player.
Tiger Woods, is arguably one of the best golfers ever to play the sport and prides himself on not letting his opponents outdo him when it comes to practicing. So my question is, if it's good enough for the greatest of all time, then what harm can it do to you?
If you're looking for an opportunity to practice dealing with others, then I'd suggest paying your local grocery store a weekend visit.
While you're not directly working with people in this environment, you'll most likely be dealing with situations in which you'll have a glut of opportunity to develop some keys skills.
Patience, acceptance and forgiveness to name a few.
The supermarket is an excellent training ground because its busy but also due to the fact that they are filled with people who are as focussed as Hilary Clinton was on being the 2008 Democratic party leader. There are a whole bunch of people you'll meet at the grocery store, here are three of the more common individuals you may "run" into:
Forgetful Jones - Good ole Jones will leave his shopping cart in the middle of the aisle and block others while he goes back and picks up the low fat cottage cheese he forgot three aisles back. Or maybe he couldn't resist taking advantage of the free samples of a new multi-grain cereal bar. The fact that he's blocking the way for others means nothing to him.
Distracted Debbie - Debbie is one of my personal favorites. As opposed to pulling over to the side out of your way, Debbie will suddenly stop in the middle of the aisle with little or no warning to adjust her make-up or maybe take a phone call which could last for several minutes before noticing she's inconveniencing others.
Speeding Scott - Scott is probably the most focussed person of the three. He'll race up and down the aisles like he's in a one minute shopping spree filling his shopping cart with as many things as possible. He'll create pile ups like an demolition derby and take out as many people as possible including the back of your heel.
An all points bulletin is out on these suspects, if you see any of them, be prepared to put your skills into practice. One thing is for certain, if you can master dealing these characters, then you just might be ready to take on a shopping mall during the Christmas season.
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. --Henry Ford
Audley Stephenson AKA The "Relationship" Manager" is an engaging public speaker who encourages individuals to make their mark through positive relationship management strategies. He's an excellent communicator with a long history of developing relationships with organizations and people.
Make Your Mark (MYM) strives to enhance the lives of others through practical relationship management strategies and advice designed to make a positive difference and cultivate our professional and personal interactions.
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