If leadership is about influence, then you need both self and others to influence, making relationships an important part of the Art of Leadership. And, if your relationships come first in having an attitude that ROCKs, what does it take to create an incredible relationship?

The Five Be’s to Create Incredible Relationships

• Be of Service – Give and share freely.

My favorite childhood story was The Little Engine that Could. It was the story about a little train that climbed the mountain saying, “I think I can, I think I can…”

This mantra characterized my life. I wanted to work on the most difficult assignments and biggest challenges. I wanted to work on the projects that the best managers had tried to handle. However, I added a few words to the story and they were…”do it alone”.

We need other people. We need their help. And, we need to have a mindset that is willing to help others as well.

• Be Honest – Openness allows for understanding and builds trust.

In a study by Kouzes and Posner on the most important characteristics of a leader, honesty was selected more than any other trait. Whether you call it truth, ethics, principles, integrity, character, or any other number of names, people create relationships with people who keep their promises and can be trusted.

• Be Clear – A clear vision with written goals will help form the foundation of your personal and professional life.

Do you know what you want to happen in your relationships with others? Are you hoping they do business with you, become lifelong friends, or nothing at all? Spend time understanding what you want so you can take the necessary steps, turning possibility into reality.

• Be Present – Live in the moment in order to see the miracles around you.

Imagine if we only celebrated the BIG things in life. Make a list of all of the things you have to be thankful for at this very moment. To live with an attitude of gratitude means being grateful for every challenge and every opportunity, making that a very long list.

• Be Encouraging – To encourage means to inspire others with confidence and hope, contributing to real progress and/or growth.

About 8 years ago when I was living in NJ, I taught Sunday school to 4th graders. During that season of life, I saw how positive discipline encouraged my students to do better and negative comments only hindered their ability to learn.

In my business, I work with adults, understanding that even as adults we need positive feedback and encouragement.

The word “encourage” means to inspire with confidence, to give hope or to contribute to someone’s progress or growth. Encouraging goes far beyond the mere giving of gifts or compliments to others and making them feel good. It is also the way that we unselfishly spend time with others, or listen to them.

Encouraging others is sometimes awkward and takes “courage”. Think about what’s going on in your life and those around you today. What in your life do you need encouragement for? How about those around you?

An attitude that rocks is centered on relationships. May you renew your relationships and create incredible new ones throughout the rest of 2008!