WEEKLY WISDOM - CHEMISTRY

Chemistry: the complex emotional or psychological interaction between two people.

We have often heard the phrase “they have chemistry between each other”. This refers to a special kind of connection between two individuals. They connect on several different levels which may include personality, emotional, spiritual, psychological, and more. You certainly know when you have connected with someone on a different level. There is an energy that is indescribable. The best kind of chemistry is that which is authentic and genuine.

The Bible provides several scriptures for us to connect with others on an authentic and genuine level. This can assist you in your leadership opportunities and the type of mindset you should have when developing these relationships. Here are a few of them that you can study.

• Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.

• Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”.

• John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another”.

• 1 Peter 5:3-5 “Not domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”.”

• Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”.

This gives you an overview of your charge as a leader striving to establish the appropriate chemistry with those we lead as well as our colleagues. It is evident that when you can work with people who subscribe to the same values as you, there is more positive energy which helps to move your mission forward and develop a deeper commitment to the cause.

Chemistry is not having everyone like you or not holding people accountable for their actions or responsibilities. Providing constructive feedback and being honest with team members can develop even more chemistry amongst you all because of your intentionality regarding their growth and development. It creates that next level of respect between you and your team or colleagues when you can operate in this space.

This was a hard lesson for me to learn early on in my career because I was battling between being a friend to my employees to a fault and wanting everyone to like me. I lost respect because of my lack of experience, confidence, and naiveite. I found myself struggling to gain respect because I had gone too far down the friend lane instead of the leader or manager lane. Over the years with more training and experience in my leadership, I have developed the appropriate boundaries but still have great chemistry with those who report to me and my colleagues even when we must deal with challenging issues. We keep the vision and mission in front of us and work together as a team.

Now my challenge to you is to go out and develop your chemistry.

 (ENGAGEMENT)

Exercise Your Power this week 

1.     Identify a colleague who you have great chemistry with and communicate what that chemistry is to them.

2.       Be courageous this week and provide some constructive feedback to one of your associates and how they can best improve in that area.

3.       Ask for feedback from a different colleague on what makes your professional relationship work so well and how you all can continue to improve it.