Know your target! Otherwise, you'll always miss the mark.
Roll #1: The ball rolled right into the gutter. No pins were knocked down.
Roll #2: Strike!!! Yes!!! All the pins were knocked down.
I don't go bowling too often. But when I do go, I get excited about the opportunity to roll the ball two times during my turn.
It's an opportunity to test the lane, then to try again.
The ball will not automatically hit the pins just because they're created for each other.
The ball will only knock the pins down if the bowler focuses on the target.
Reminds me of relationships.
A title of spouse, child, parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague, pastor, teacher, etc will not automatically get people to do what you want them to do or what you expect them to do.
There are times when people will only respond in your favor when you focus on them as the target. In other words, meet people where they are and the outcome of the relationship will be so much better.
But....you can only meet people where they are by building relationship.
I love that we have an opportunity to build relationships by getting to know people over time.
How do you get to know someone?
I'm glad you asked.
- Be open
- Be present
- Be attentive
- Be consistent
- Communicate
- Ask questions
- Show an interest
- Show genuine concern
- Don't make assumptions
- Spend time with the person
I'm sure this is not an exhaustive list but it's definitely a great start.
I know that I can be a hard target to reach. However, I guarantee you, if you you follow the list above, you won't miss the mark.
What are some ways people can get to know you?
I believe the key to relationship building as you stated is being OPEN to something NEW. You have to want to build relationships with people because they can feel if you aren't genuine in your approach.
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