All relationships are fundamentally a matter of economics. As startlingly prosaic as it sounds, on reflection it makes perfect sense.
Whether in business or personal life, relationships that are in balance are mutually pleasing to each person involved. In a very real sense we exist to serve one another. When relationships sour it is inevitably a question of one or more members of the exchange believing their investment is not being reciprocated.
So, how to maintain your value in your business or family life? Why not go back to one of the earliest lessons of your life: give sincere thanks. When merited, thanks do more than balance an isolated exchange, they become the basis of a healthy, balanced relationship that reinforces the value of each person.
Want some evidence?
The UK Behavioral Insights Team looked at three studies of the effect of appropriate thanks. In each case thanks was a powerful incentive for maintain relationships.
The results are clear, a simple “thank you” can make a measurable difference in the quality and results of our relationships.
Why not start a cycle of good turns that lead to another and another…etc. It’s certainly cheap enough!
Thank you for reading this.