QUANXI - Building "Leadership Connections" with our clients, partners, and teams

QUANXI - Building "Leadership Connections" with our clients, partners, and teams
(CopyRight 2010; Benjamin Goh, www.bensglobal.com)

Q for Quest for information. Always listen more than talking. Most of the time we are more motivated to sharing our ideas, solutions, products and experiences than listening to what others have to share with us. The more we know what others are thinking, the more we are equipped to understand the other party and build strong relationships. Always adopt an open-door policy.

U for Unique. Everyone wants to feel they are special and unique. Whenever we present something to others, always allow them to feel that its tailored specially for them. The in-thing today in business development is what is called "mass-customization"; making what seems to be mass produced or standard look and feel customized for the specific customer.

A for Adjust+Adapt+Align. In building any relationship, always observe the other party and then, adjust, adapt and align to match the best suited form of communication for both parties. Communication is key in building connections, especially leadership connections as misunderstanding or mis-communication always lead to distrust and disrespect and eventually, disconnection.

N for Networking. Always network with the other party in their comfort zone. For example, our team may like to play basketball instead of golf. Join them in their basketball game and allow them to see and feel that you are part of them.

X for X-factor. Presentation of oneself in speech, physical outlook and openness of mind are key to building a strong leadership connection with others. Respect is earned and so, is in successful leadership.

I for Initiate always. Its important and essential to initiate any conversation or discussion or thoughts, etc. Initiation on the part of a leader breaks the ice for others to share openly with us. It is through sharing of their thoughts and ideas that allow us to learn more and then being able to coach, mentor or even provide adequate and useful consultation to others. Initiate, initiate and initiate more connections.