–METAPHOR ALERT–
In work we’re obliged to spend as much time fostering relationships as we do with actually doing work. And I do mean that for everyone. Whether you’re in an office job, out on the tools, running a business or in the creative industry. More than half your time is spent building relationships. That can feel like a burden sometimes, and other times it can get in the way of actually doing the things that earn our keep.
But there’s the flip side. These relationships pay the bills. From the most obvious – our customers, or the more removed – people that help us deliver the things for our customers. Everything comes back to relationships.
Today I heard an interesting thought, a metaphor if you will, on relationships. Consider ships. They’re built in a harbour and that’s where they’re safe. While it’s in harbour it’s moored and at home. It’s got all the support systems necessary to sustain it close to hand. Fuel pumps, paint, mechanics, spare parts, joiners. The lot. When it’s in harbour it’s got everything it needs to sustain it’s keep with exception of one thing. Money.
Everything needs the Benjamins to keep afloat. While it’s sat in harbour, it serves no purpose to the wider cause. Ships then are built for a wealth of reasons, fishing, patrol, tourism, travel, and transport to name a few. The ship needs to be well built and well maintained enough to endure the voyages it must therefore make to guarantee it’s own survival financially.
Consider then our relationships and how they’re not dissimilar to ships. Each one must be built and maintained. Each one must have a purpose and contribution to port. And all ships must be able to weather big storms and high seas to complete their goals. Only great ships can deliver, and only great relationships help us serve our goals.
