ryan russell

One thing I wish I had done in my twenties is spent more time building bridges with co-workers and other potential partners for the sake of ministry and business. It seems to be a natural but mostly futile response in passionate and driven people to argue and scratch and claw when we can’t find cooperation and partnership in others for the sake of the mission/task that you are the owner of. Consider these “bridge building” ideas:

- build a relationship - look at people beyond what they can get done for you; develop relationships outside of the meetings and the tasks… try coffee, lunch, sporting events or their hobbies. people are more than a tool and they can percieve when you only look at them in that way.

- find an exchange - if you get creative there is usually something that you can do to enhance the work situation for another in exchange for their assistance on your project/mission. chances are good that they have a heavy work load too that might be loading them down.

- support their work - unless you happen to find yourself “on top” the quickest and best outcome won’t be to tearn down the work of another; look for positive contributions they make and recognize them in your interactions and when you have the oppotunity to support them with others.

- put in sweat equity – be on the look out for opportunities where you can build into future partners by making contributions to their tasks/missions right now. Volunteer when they need a hand; go above and beyond what the need when they are in a pinch… it will cycle back during key moments. (this is a worth while topic for a later date)

* these are just a few thoughts, there are more out there… what are yours? *