Get To Work

Larry's Leadership Moment
Written By Larry Little

I’ve seen someone genuinely try to meet another person’s needs, only to watch the relationship get worse. How does that happen?

More often than not, it’s because we try to do what we think the other person needs… instead of finding out what they actually want or need.

The dilemma of meeting someone else’s needs can seem confusing and overwhelming. But there is a better way to authentically meet the needs of the important people in your life. It starts with choosing not to make assumptions that you already know what they need. Instead, become a good question-asker. Because, in order to meet someone else’s needs, you have to gather data.

Ask them what they need, want, or desire from the relationship. Do they need more conversation? Do they need help getting things done? Do they need you to spend time with them? Do they need affirmation, validation, or approval?

Once you understand their needs, the next step is simple—get to work on meeting their specific needs.

And here’s the good news: you’re allowed to get it wrong. In fact, you probably will at some point. But if the other person feels heard and sees that you’re trying, they’ll often meet you halfway. You can always gather more data (ask more questions) and try again.

So, if you want to move your relationships forward by genuinely meeting the needs of the people in your life, make these three shifts:

  • Choose not to assume that you know what they need

  • Choose to ask questions and gather data

  • Choose to get to work

When you make these little relationship shifts, you will make a difference!

Larry

 

Check out our latest episode of the RelationShifts Podcast:

Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube

Larry Little
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