Relationship Values

Inspired by Simon Sinek’s If You Don’t Understand People, You Don’t Understand Business

What does it mean when you trust another person? To me it means that you can go to that person in confidence knowing that they have your best interests in mind – That you can share the excitement and ecstasy of the highs, and the uncertainty and vulnerability of the lows. That they’ll be there for you when you need them to be there, and that they won’t just say what you want to hear but will give you their honest opinion and perspective on things.

Simon Sinek explains that “trust comes from a sense of common values and common beliefs,” and that for these values and beliefs to be shared with others “you have to say and do the things you actually believe, because the things you say and do are symbols of who you are.”

People want to surround themselves with ‘good’ people – people they can form a bond with, who they can develop a sense of trust and camaraderie with. If you’re not willing to put yourself on the line and share what you truly believe, but choose to say and do what other people want, you aren’t staying true to yourself. You may find yourself building some kind of relationship with others, but a relationship built on what – what foundation is there? 

If you actually do and say what you believe, yes, there’s a risk and it takes courage – because not everyone will agree and see eye to eye with you. Some people may even resent or come to hate you for what you say or do. But again, it comes back to the question now of who you want to surround yourself with, and if you’re willing to stay true to yourself in spite of what other people think.

Do you want to be with people who share similar values and beliefs, who you can trust that together you are working towards some shared vision of the future? 

Is there anything more meaningful than that? Of the people who form friendships or partnerships together over shared interests, or of the man and woman who come together to build a family, or of the player and coach who work towards the accomplishment of their dreams, or of a group of coaches coming together to collectively improve people’s lives through tennis.

Because what for, if not for the connection and relationships you build with other people?