Gautrey Unleashed

Improving Processes for Problem and Conflict Resolution

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Usually, if you have managed to achieve high levels of Trust and Credibility and also Communication and Influence, this theme will look after itself. So this last section is deliberately brief because I want you to focus on the first two themes to maximise your progress. Once you have strengthened them, you will have a really good stakeholder relationship. All that is needed here are a few supplementary points which build on this strong base and are relevant to this theme – in fact, they assume you already have a great relationship with your stakeholder!
  • Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution is about cultivating and encouraging a robust attitude, which promotes proactive and objective attention to problems facing either party – hopefully Read More

Improving Communication and Balancing Influence

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The first thing to appreciate is that by far the best way to improve on this theme is to make sure you have lots of Trust and Credibility between both sides of the relationship. The first theme forms an unavoidable prerequisite to successful Communication and Influence. Think about it. If you don’t trust someone, the more they communicate, the more suspicious you will become. Similarly, it is very difficult to influence someone if they don’t trust you (i.e. they are suspicious of your motives). To be blunt, if you haven’t got the first theme covered, you will probably be wasting your time trying to strengthen Communication and Influence Instead, as you work to improve Trust and Credibility, add in a few of the ideas Read More

Strengthening Trust and Credibility

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The key to strengthening trust is to understand what it is, how it works and what you (and others) do to maximise trust, or bring it crashing down! Trust is a complex concept which can easily be simplified into the extent to which you can rely upon someone (or something) else. Will they do what you expect them to do? Can you rely on their word? Can you predict what they will do in a given set of circumstances? There are also various different levels of trust. You may be able to rely Read More

Relationship Theme Indicator Summary

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Elsewhere we have looked in detail at the key features required in any successful large-scale relationship. This included summarising the indicators which would suggest that each theme was present or absent within the relationship. To help with your research and investigations, here is a summary you can use when interviewing stakeholders and gaining their input and perspective. Feel free to print this out and take it to your lunch meeting. Read More

Exercise: Quick Quality Analysis of Your Business Relationships

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As you are working to improve your business relationships, you can use this exercise to give you a quick heads-up on those which are most important to you. As you grow in influence, this way of thinking will soon become second nature. Make sure to also link this in to your knowledge and understanding of the key elements which will be linked below.

Which Relationships Matter Most?

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Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution in Business Relationships

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Once pointed out, this theme is an obvious requirement for a successful relationship. I cannot think of any relationship which at some point has not had a few problems which included at least a bit of conflict. If you assume that to be called a relationship there must be at least two people involved, and that each individual will be seeking to influence the other person, there will inevitably be differences of opinion. If these are not handled well (with good Communication and Influence), a dispute is likely to appear. So being able to deal quickly and openly with these disputes becomes a critical element of a successful relationship. I am wise to the argument that if you have a relationship with perfection on the first two themes, you shouldn’t need to use problem solving and conflict resolution. But even in perfect relationships (and I am sure some get close), it is always handy to have these capabilities available so you can deal with the worst-case scenario, should it occur.

Positive Indicators: Each party in the relationship is likely to…

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Communication and Influence in Business Relationships

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It is self-evident that communication is an important element of relationships, but the presence of influence may at first sight appear a little unexpected. Usually, that is something we do to others if we are successful, but not something which others do to us. The notion that it is useful for us if other people are able to influence us takes a little thought. There are two key reasons why I believe this is a good thing. Firstly, if we want to have a Read More

Trust and Credibility in Business Relationships

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These two words go hand in hand. If you think someone is credible – for whatever reason – you are likely to trust them. Credibility is the culmination of a wide range of factors which build the overall impression in the mind of the observer, including qualifications, competence, reputation and performance. When experienced, it is self-reinforcing and ultimately enhances the predictability of the individual concerned – it builds trust.

Positive Indicators: Each party in the relationship is likely to…

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Developing Tenacity when Facing Opposition

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Everyone should have opposition. It is natural and to be encouraged. If you don't have opposition, you are not trying hard enough, or you are deluded. Developing appropriate tenacity and displaying the right level of resolve may not win the day, but it should earn the respect of those you are attempting to influence. The definition of tenacity that seems most appropriate when it comes to influence in the workplace, is "persistence of purpose". Tenacity is the ability to display commitment to what you believe in. You keep picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, and quickly get going again having learned a little more. At its best, tenacity Read More

Engaging and Influencing Stakeholders

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Stakeholders are important people who share an interest in your success. You need to engage with them at the right time so that you can influence them as easily as possible. Stakeholder influence doesn't just happen; you have to make it happen. By engaging with your stakeholders early, you stand a much better chance of being able to help them to understand what you want to achieve. Critically, you need to develop a clear appreciation for their stance in order that you can pitch your goals in the most favourable light.

"Proactively seek out, engage, and influence your stakeholders."
You can find stakeholders in many places. By thinking Read More

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