Empathy

media type="custom" key="20410506" =Relationship Management=

Relationship management skills involve knowing how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict (Segal and Smith, 2012). Successfully managing relationships involves utilizing the three previous emotional intelligence skills in a social setting. Once you have become more self aware and socially aware and have learned how to effectively manage your emotions and behaviors, you are ready to work on managing your relationships. Relationship management skills are valuable because they can aid in conflict resolution, team building, communication and productivity.

The Eight Competencies
Daniel Goleman identified eight competencies related to relationship management. Strong leaders work on these competencies and strive to find ways to better manage their relationships.These competencies are (adapted from [|Goleman, 2002] ).
 * Developing others
 * Influence
 * Communication
 * Conflict management
 * Leadership
 * Change catalyst
 * Building bonds
 * Teamwork & collaboration

How to improve your relationship management skills
There are a few ways to improve your relationship management skills and become a better project manager (adapted from Segal and Smith, 2012)
 * Maintain a clear view of yourself and others
 * Communicate effectively
 * End conflicts when they can't be resolved
 * Pay attention to non-verbal cues
 * Work on diffusing stress and problem solving in tense situations

Relationship Management in Action
There is a problem with your course deliverable. One of the team members suggests a quick fix solution, another team member suggests scrapping the deliverable and starting over. A conflict develops between the two team members. The first team member threatens to quit the team. Luckily, your emotional intelligence skills are strong. You recognize the anger and frustration in both your team members. You quickly work to dissolve the conflict and rebuild the bonds between the teammates. You take the lead and diffuse the stress by choosing the solution which is a compromise.