Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very
delicate things that require a very focused effort in order
to maintain.

A successful relationship is also something that can
provide a very comforting sense of security and can be long
lasting despite many trials.

Building effective and lasting relationships is a necessity
for several reasons. For example, in a group or
organization, the well being of the people depends on how
efficiently and effectively that group or organization
works.

The group or organization is also dependent on how well the
members work together with the management.

An ineffective group or organization can really be very
frustrating. 

On the other hand, an effective group or organization can
also ask so much of their members, that sometimes the
members would have no life outside the walls of the area
where they work or sacrifice the other aspects of their
life just to meet deadlines. In an employee/employer
scenario this leads to non-productive workers.

For an organization or group with this kind of scenario,
relationships can be stressed or suffer from breakdown.
People or other entities who depend on these groups or
organization also suffer. Society is defined as a web of
relationships, which requires all parties to work and
contribute their share in order to achieve a common goal. 

Having a relationship that is good, where cooperation and
respect are manifested, can make society work better. In
this way each member works for the good of the whole and
towards achieving a common goal. This can only be attained
with effective and efficient relationships. Understanding
the other person's feeling and position creates an
effective and efficient relationship.

The easiest method to understand what is important to
another person is to ask them what they want and listen to
what they have to say. When the other person realizes this,
they would feel the importance given to them.

Successful and lasting relationships require parties to
openly express their feelings and positions on all matters
pertinent on the relationship. Assuming that the other
person understands our needs is not a good practice.

Respect is the key to relationship. In order to create a
more effective relationship, parties should treat each
other with respect. We can show respect just by listening
to the other person and by trying sincerely to understand
how they function. You can also show respect to other
parties by confirming that they are doing everything they
can.

The opposite of respect is quick forming of judgements
based on unfounded facts and prejudice. Respect is the very
foundation for a great relationship. This also means
respecting yourself as well as respecting others.

Another key area in forming an effective relationship is 
to tackle differences of the other person directly.
Differences between parties or people are quite
interesting. For example in a conversation where each
person listens to the other person, you may observe that
each is having two different perspectives.

Work towards a win-win solution for both parties.

This can be done when at least one person acknowledges that
the relationship is important. That person would then exert
more time, effort and energy to understand the other
person's needs and deal with it to get it out of the way.
Should they fail, it is very comforting for that other
person to know that they tried.

Effectively listening and no pre-judging. This is important
if parties are to understand each other.

Informal discussions are conducive for all people. They
bring out issues and concerns comfortably. They also feel
more relaxed making them think more clearly, and developing
an atmosphere where the other person can express their
feelings when they need to.

When parties fail to express whatever is on their mind or
their true feelings, it gets in the way of building an
effective relationship and causes an undue amount of stress
between them.

People should be aware that certain problems exist
naturally, but should be controlled when dealing with any
relationship. Human nature is one. Some of these things
found in a relationship also include a history of
stereotyping or mistrust, blaming the other person or party
for a strained relationship, excluding the other person's
feelings when focusing on a task, no clear and defined
objectives. The roles or expectations of each person in a
relationship at times tend to become unclear without clear
and relaxed communication.

Relationships are important to anyone, addressing issues
and problems right away is a must to further improve the
relationship. As they say 'No man is an Island'. 

Joseph Primm has been involved in research and marketing online 
since 1997 and is the Owner/Webmaster at http://jrprim.com, a 
home based Internet Business. Mr. Primm resides in Fort Mill, 
South Carolina, a quiet country town just a stone's throw from 
the hustle and bustle of big city life in Charlotte, North 
Carolina.