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In a society governed by rules, laws and societal norms, it might seem bold to declare that relationships should have precedence.
We are surrounded by a complex web of hierarchies and regulations that guide our daily lives – yet overlooked in this fabric are the subtle threads of connections that actually hold everything together. In this piece is an exaltation of the relationships we build, the networks we weave throughout our personal and professional lives.
When the framework falters, relationships are there to shore it up. It’s in the details of our interactions that the true measure of strength is revealed. Allow me to light a path through the tangle of laws and edicts towards the thriving communities that we can foster when we place the human connection front and centre.
Relationships in real estate: The invisible hand at play
In the domain of real estate, you’d think that location, location, location were the only commandments to heed. But what truly shifts a property from a mere structure to a home, an office or a cultural hub, is the story of its inhabitants – it’s the relationships that form the invisible, yet forceful, foundation beneath the concrete and mortar.
I’ve wandered through districts glossy with modernity, where life thrums to an impeccable beat, but lacks soul. Contrast this to the storied streets where time seems to stand still, and the walls whisper tales of love, loss, and the relentless march of progress. The value of property is not exclusively in its square footage and proximity to amenities, it’s in the narrative – the relationships that breathe life into bricks and beams.
Navigating career labyrinths through relationships
In a professional landscape transformed by digital connectivity and globalisation, relationships can seem less tangible, relegated to the “people skills” category. However, the next career milestone is often just one connection away. It’s the mentor who saw potential, the colleague who lent a sympathetic ear, or the team that rallied under a visionary leader.
In my career, I have seen the fruits of relationships bear success where hard work alone might have floundered. Entering into negotiations armed with mutual respect is more powerful than any contract. Leading a team unified by a shared goal and strong interpersonal bonds propels us beyond what job descriptions and KPIs could inspire.
The universal language of connection
Life outside of the professional realm is no less indebted to this invisible might. In our communities and familial circles, we define and are defined by the relationships we craft. They become our support structures, our sounding boards, and our safe havens. I ask you – what law could bind a community tighter than a history of shared sorrows and joys? What decree could command the love of family or the camaraderie of friends?
The tenure of our relationships outlasts the transient nature of rules and laws. They are the bedrock of culture, the heartbeat of society, and they have the capacity to mend where regulations may rend. We are born into relationships, and we craft them throughout our lives. They wither, they grow, they shape us, and they are shaped by us.
Final thought: Rule of law or rule of heart?
In a world that clamours for structure, it requires courage to make a case for the intangible. Yet, ask anyone nearing the end of their life, and they won’t recount the rules they lived by, but the relationships that sustained them. It’s not that laws are unimportant – they create an order that is necessary for coexistence. But they are the scaffolding. The buildings that stand the test of time are those where relationships thrive within and around them.
My call is this: as we interact within the realms of our societies, our careers, and our personal lives, do not forget the power of relationships. It is they, and not the rules that govern us, which dictate the ebb and flow of our existence. It is they who, when cultivated with care, bring colour to the canvas of life that is all too often painted in shades of black and white.
Adrian Knowles is the CEO of Harcourts Australia.
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