Be a Great Boss: The Hill Collection (4 Items)

Weave Your Own Web of Infl uence 105

even on difficult problems? Again, use a simple number scale,

where 1 means “could be stronger or more positive,” 2 means “not

necessarily perfect but a generally good current relationship,”

and 3 means “very strong and positive.” Note that a 1 has two pos-

sible meanings: no relationship currently exists, or it exists but is

very weak or problematic. Perhaps a recent dispute left a bitter

memory and there’s some mending to be done. In assessing rela-

tionships, look at them not just through your eyes but through the

eyes of the other side as well.

Third , compare the two rankings. Are there relationships rated

2 or 3 in importance but only 1 in current quality? Those are

important disparities to address. ...