3 Keys to Get Along With Others. Yep, Even That Neighbor!
It is not practical to think that we can get along with everyone, but we can certainly try. The beauty of our world is that it is diverse and full of interesting people everywhere. That means that often we do not understand other’s viewpoints or general outlook of the world. So often things can get “lost in translation” or misinterpreted. The next time you find yourself in that situation, consider these three tips on how to get along with others.
Assume Positive Intent
I believe people are “good by nature”, and often are misunderstood. Does that mean there are not some bad apples? Of course not, but I do believe the “bad apples” are the exception and not the rule. When explaining how to help people who can’t get along with others, Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, summed it up best—she said: “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent. You will be amazed at how your whole approach to a person or problem becomes very different”. It’s simple advice, but so accurate as our lens changes what we are seeing/hearing as much as what the other person is saying.
Seek to Understand
One of the greatest benefits of getting along with others is knowing how to understand, in a social sense. The practice of seeking to understand has opened so many doors and led to many fruitful relationships in my life. The idea reminds me to ask questions, reserve judgment and genuinely stay curious, especially if I do not agree with someone’s opinion. “If I were to summarize in one sentence the single most important principle I have learned in the field of interpersonal relations, it would be this: Seek first to understand, then to be understood”. -Dr. Stephen R. Covey
Don’t Label
One of the most profound lessons that I have learned in my life is to “try” not to label myself or anyone else. It is also one of the most challenging things to do, as it is a practice that human beings have done for hundreds of years. It simplifies things when we put people into boxes, such as “Jen is positive or Dan is negative”. The problem is that human beings are fluid and ever evolving. You can recreate yourself daily and this is why labels will never be accurate.
Human beings are complex and relationships are even trickier as you are now bringing multiple layers of complexity together. With that being said; if you ask yourself the questions: “why is it important to get along with others?”, or, “what do I want out of this interaction or relationship?” We find that no matter what, we always want a positive outcome. Put these three keys into play daily and your circle will widen and your relationships will become even more fulfilling. Who knows, maybe that neighbor you don’t see “eye to eye” with can now become at least a friendly face you are happy to wave to!
Positive interactions and relationships will always benefit your overall self, and empowerment is what Let’s Go Win is all about. Along with Let’s Go Win’s award-winning mindset coach training and corporate consulting, our self-empowerment podcasts are the best way to learn valuable performance coaching tips and tricks at your convenience.
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JM Ryerson founded and sold 3 businesses and is now helping leadership teams do the same. He is an Author, Leadership & Performance Coach, International Speaker, and host of the Let’s Go Win podcast who has been building companies and leading sales teams for over 20 years. JM is the co-founder and CEO of Let’s Go Win whose mission is to increase leadership, enhance culture, and help teams achieve peak performance. JM’s great passions are inspiring people to live their best lives and become open to what life has in store for them. His ultimate goal is to give others the tools that will allow them to transcend their self-limiting beliefs. JM was raised in Montana and lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife Lisa and their two amazing boys.
