Relationship Practice and Leadership Influence

“Who’s coming with me?”—Jerry Maguire

Craig's note: This guest post is written by Brad Duggins, a new, welcome member of Systemental team.  Brad has a passion for applying his deep Organizational Development expertise in the service of others.

My daughter is a swimmer in a local club organization, and as I was watching her practice the other day, I began to think the parallels that exist between in swimming and human relationships.   I know, you’re thinking Brad really needs to get out more.  Humor me and take a look.

Swimming takes place in water.   Relationships take place in the world.  I cannot change the nature of water and I cannot change human nature.  I do not control the path others choose to follow.  I can only hope to exert a positive influence through my relationships.  It takes time and practice to develop a relationship with the water and it takes time and practice to develop your relationships with others. 

It takes a lot of thinking, discovery, practice and repetition to become an excellent swimmer.  You try, evaluate, modify, and try again.  Each time you get closer to developing the best possible relationship between you and the water.  As you study, you learn the unique mechanics that work best for you, to swim faster and find your winning form. 

It’s the same with relationships; lot’s of thinking, discovery, practice and repetition through which you develop the best possible relationship between yourself and others.  Along the way it’s helpful to remind yourself that you cannot change human nature.  You must find the unique mechanics that work best for you.  You must study and practice to find your winning form. 

My daughter is twelve years old.  She studies swimming mechanics and develops her personal form.  Now she is winning in the water.

How well developed are your relationship mechanics?  Are you studying and developing your personal form?  Are you winning in the world?