Build Relationships, Build Bridges

Build Relationships, Build Bridges
By Dan Mooney
NAPS North Central Area Vice President

As North Central Area vice president the past 12 years, I always have told my folks they must continually work on building relationships with their USPS counterparts. No matter what level you are in NAPS, you must reach across to those in the Postal Service with whom you deal and constantly build a relationship with them.

Communicate with them often! It does not just have to be when you have business to discuss. You want to communicate with them when you don’t have business to discuss, as well. Make it personal; there is no reason not to.

When you build that relationship, it becomes a foundation for years to come. Ask about their family, their work, their hobbies. Get to know the person and let them get to know you. Let them understand who you are and share with them.

Have lunch or dinner with them. The better you get to know them and the better they get to know you, the greater chance you have of achieving a positive outcome when dealing with them. Find as much common ground as possible.

If you build those strong relationships now, when you have a tough issue to address, it becomes much easier to sit down and discuss the issue with them. They are more willing to listen to what you have to say. There is more of a chance of coming to a compromise or not having a door shut for you.

The benefits of developing positive relationships with your USPS counterparts far outweigh not having those positive relationships. Who wants to sit down with someone and talk business if they don’t have a positive relationship with them?

It does not mean you have to be weak or give in! If you frame your issue factually and articulate it properly, you should be able to stand your ground. It’s okay to disagree if you need to, but, again, keep it on a business level — not a personal level.

This way, you can keep that relationship intact to address future issues. You get the idea!

As I always say, keep it on the high ground; the people and the view are much better.