Bonding comes from mutual esteem, respect, and devotion. we should not take it for granted but it requires a joint effort.
BONDING
Between hard work and enthusiasm is us and how we interact with one another. When trying to get something accomplished, most managers, under the pressures of the business, will offer the advice, “You don’t need to like each other or be best friends to accomplish a goal.” That might be true, but study after study indicates that trust is a crucial ingredient to effective teams. It is also the foundation of friendship.
Other people make us better human beings. This idea is the foundation of systems theory, where the sum is greater than its parts. It is easier to reach our true potential and flex our capabilities when others are on the journey with us. The myth of individualism is just that, a myth. We matter whether we like it or not.
A successful team requires a strong bond between independent members. Trust is part of that bond and comes from mutual esteem and respect. We were created for tribes, groups, gatherings; we were created as human beings to be interdependent. We were not designed to go through life by ourselves. We become so much more when we come alongside others—and we make them better in the process, too. We matter whether we like it or not.
A bond is about doing for others while they are doing for you. A healthy bond moves in two directions and is based on mutual concern. When you have a strong bond with someone, you help them out, and you don’t feel used in the process.
Consider for a moment: would you rather enjoy success in your eyes or the eyes of others?
If you answered, “others,” your reputation is probably fine, but your character is questionable. Our reputation is what we’re perceived to be. Our character is what we are. They can be different. We need to be more concerned with people’s character than their reputations. A good reputation is not worth much if we have a flawed character; with a flawed character, we don’t enjoy much serenity. If we use our friends to advance a personal agenda, we’ll never find peace.
Make friends and maintain relationships. Friends help make us better people, and we are better for including others in our journey to becoming whom we are meant to become.
PRACTICE
Based on the definition of bonding discussed, make a list of the people in your life who would qualify as friends.
Look at your list of friends. Who on that list do you trust the most? How could you go about establishing accountability with that person or persons?
COMMIT
[ ] I commit to myself to being accountable.
Alongside technical skills, people who can master a range of subjective skills are better able to influence, deal with ambiguity, bounce back from setbacks, think creatively, and manage themselves successfully in their pursuit of mastery. Learn more about applying craft skills in the modern world.