If you build it . . .

After 3 mornings of a very good course on coaching staff, I have learned a lot, including that being a good coach is tough work. 

But here's a though for those who are dealing with people who you just "don't get", those on you staff, on your board on in your circle of life experiences who operate with a different set of specs that you; those who "march to the beat of a different drummer." 

Before you can make any inroads towards building a good working relationship with them, you need to build an alliance.  Set aside a time without interruptions, where you can focus on them and ask questions, lots of them.  Find out how they like to work. ask what motivates them and what they are looking for from this job, position or networking relationship.  How do they like feedback, what happens when they are not getting what they need and what can be done to remedy that? Share with them about your expectations, needs and your style of managment.  This could take an hour or a couple of hours depending on the nature of your relationship, but it is time well invested.

Even if you think you have good, open communication with your staff, is there not always room for improvement? Take time to sit down and talk to your staff or board members. Get them to share on the one topic they are always going to be an expert on - themselves.  Learn about them, their style of working, their needs as part of your team.  Clear your mind of your responses, focus on them.

Then build your alliance on that.  Find the common ground or negoiate to it.  If you are a task orientented person, they are a pure people person - there may not be common ground; build a bridge if need be, and agree to meet there.  If they like to touch base with you daily, see if they can live with 3 days a week, then make it happen.  Put it on your calendar but do it.  As the manager, leader and entrepreneur, it is your responsibility to know your staff and adjust to them (within reason). 

Successful Entrepreneurs Build - they build strong companies, buildings, networks, marketing plans and finances; but most of all, they build strong relationships.