Simple practices will improve both your work and personal lives.

To think about it right now is sad and odd. I've had the good fortune to spend time with people who prioritise establishing genuine connections with one another—connections that are enriching for all parties involved. That approach not only inspired me, but it also provided some of the best schooling I've ever had.

You get to pick the habits you develop, regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur, a business leader, a middle management, or someone who is just starting out. Think carefully about who and what you want to be since those behaviours have an impact on you, the reputation you create for yourself, and the people you work with. Here are 12 practises that I've discovered to be helpful and that might help you

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1. Listen to people and help when you can.

Pay close attention to what others say they value while you listen to them. It might be an introduction or some straightforward advise. You'll learn by asking "How can I be of help to you?" at the conclusion of every interaction. Sometimes it's simple to put the pieces together for someone else, but you can only do that if you pay attention.

2. Write down opportunities to help when you hear them.

As soon as you start taking notes after learning about someone's need, the information begins to move from your short-term to your long-term memory. It becomes much simpler to act when you develop the practise of writing things down since everything you need to know to be helpful is immediately available to you.

3. Embrace haters.

Sarah Silverman recently set a wonderful example for us all by simply responding to a Twitter hater with kindness and compassion. Everyone benefits more when it becomes a habit to answer wisely rather than indignantly, which nearly never happens.

4. Stay in touch with the people who matter most to you.

A recent survey to 20 different people about what they value most in a business relationship, and 19 out of 20 said that staying in touch was the best thing their contacts had done to create a lasting, meaningful connection. Sometimes a simple "Hey, how are you doing?" at the right time can go a long way.

5. Follow through with your commitments.

Some People delivered a keynote at an event where organizers were convinced they were out a speaker because of a crazy snowstorm. They told them they could count on me, so they landed in a different city and drove the rest of the way to make it on time. If you can avoid backing out of your commitments at the last minute, you'll preserve trust, and your relationships will be stronger.

6. Extend thoughtfulness to others in your contacts' lives, too.

It doesn't matter how thoughtful you are toward someone if you've treated everyone else in his or her network poorly. All of your contacts have people in their lives who support, work alongside, and love them: secretaries, administrators, spouses. Don't give into selfishness and ignore these individuals simply because you're after something from your contact.

7. Be OK with not getting the credit.

If you want to improve your business and your life, you're going to have to let go of needing credit and praise for everything. Credit honestly shouldn't be the motivating factor behind all your good deeds, anyway. When you constantly yearn for credit, it not only defeats the purpose of genuine helpfulness, but it also can set a bad example for others around you.

8. Use words of affirmation.

The easiest thing to do when you notice someone being helpful is to say "That was really nice of you" or "I'm sure they appreciated what you did." Acknowledging others for their work is the right thing to do, and sometimes that's all it takes to increase the chances of that person scaling that habit.

9. Don't give gifts just to give them.

Last year, I received 10 Starbucks gift cards from people, and I don't even like coffee. Don't get in the habit of just checking the box when you send a gift. Instead, when you give gifts, think through what the recipient will actually enjoy, find valuable, or appreciate.

10. Advocate consistently.

Too often, we complain about things and forget to be champions of good service. Take a step back, think about the products and people that have helped you, and advocate for them. Doing so not only sends a well-deserved reward, but it also increases the chances that the person will feel more connected to you, too.

11. Remember important events.

Whatever the occasion, take the time to write a note to people on these significant occasions in their lives, whether it be his birthday or anniversary, she recently received a promotion, or his child is about to undergo surgery. The correct timing for a simple card, text, phone, or email can turn a routine work connection between business people into a true friendship.

12. Apply positive habits across the board.

Each of these behaviours will benefit you in the workplace, but that doesn't imply you should stop doing them in your personal life. Everyone needs love, including our spouses, families, and friends. By implementing these routines throughout your life, you'll develop them into automatic behaviours.

These behaviours have produced enduring client, partner, and employee connections that have significantly impacted the financial performance of my business. Relationships that had a significant impact on my professional and personal lives all benefited from one or more of the aforementioned behaviours. I hope they perform similarly for you.