How to Connect - cont.

“Relationship building is not optional or a perk; it’s central and critical.”

Relationship building takes a long time, which requires patience and a willingness to understand the other person’s realities. It also means being both tactful and truthful, and building trust over time. “Approaching a relationship with unions tactfully and strategically does not mean being a supplicant,” Fine elaborates. “What makes it work is the level and depth of honesty and reciprocity. Don’t yield your autonomy or agenda. Building a relationship does not mean doing labor’s bidding and never challenging anything. It won’t get the movement or your organization where they need to go if you don’t build a relationship that’s based on honesty. Face up to the differences and be courageous, be tactful, be personal.”

 

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