When you consider that many of us spend more time with our co-workers than with our own family members, there is certainly a need to recognize those relationships, what they mean to us, and how to find joy in them on a daily basis. They do their best (most of the time) to interact with us so that our job is made easier. It’s easy to take them for granted and to give in to workplace competition that can influence our filters and take away from the spontaneity that comes from the joy of the moment. Acknowledging their value to us, in spoken words or written messages, lets them know they’re appreciated and gives us the sense of satisfaction that our sincere appreciation does more to motivate them than material rewards.

How does one make a commitment to enjoying life? That is indeed a good question. The answer has much to do with how we “discipline” our awareness to focus on what we enjoy, whether that be in whom we choose as partners, both in life as well as at work; what we choose to do with our free time; what music we choose to listen to; which cultural pursuits we choose; and, most important, what degree of authenticity we choose as we relate to the world.

Here is a question worth considering: Is it possible that the more honest you can be about your authentic self with others, the more meaningful a persuader you can be? As you influence others in your sphere of leadership, whether you’re CEO, officer, supervisor, manager, or team member, it still works the same way. Your authenticity, recognized by others, makes you a much more trustworthy individual, and therefore a much more effective persuader. Think of it – would you be more likely to put trust in someone who comes across as genuine or phony? Vulnerable or defensive? Open to your feelings or self-righteous? Those with a genuine personality, humanly vulnerable, and open to the feelings of those around them – with a high degree of the Awareness Factor – are in a much stronger position in terms of coming across with the power to persuade and influence.

Author's Bio: 

David Nour is a social networking strategist and one of the foremost thought leaders on the quantifiable value of business relationships. In a global economy that is becoming increasingly disconnected, David and his team are solving global client challenges with Strategic Relationship Planning™ and Enterprise Social Networking best practices. http://www.relationshipeconomics.net