Basic requirements of effective human relations

The focus on contribution by itself supplies the four basic requirements of effective human relations:

• communications;
• teamwork;
• self-development; and
• development of others.

1. Communications have been in the center of managerial attention these last twenty years or more.
2. The focus on contribution leads to communications sideways and thereby makes teamwork possible.
3. Individual self-development in large measure depends on the focus on contributions.
4. The executive who focuses on contribution also stimulates others to develop themselves, whether they are subordinates, colleagues, or superiors.

We know very little about self-development. But we do know one thing: People in general, and knowledge workers in particular, grow according to the demands they make on themselves. They grow according to what they consider to be achievement and attainment. If they demand little of themselves, they will remain stunted. If they demand a good deal of themselves, they will grow to giant stature—without any more effort than is expended by the nonachievers.