Relationships

    This section of the book relates to how important it is for leaders to allow people to know them. When you are a power figure some people find it hard to relate because they do not know much about you.  I have always believed that having a relationship with people you work for or work with will always make the job more comforatble. During my high shcool job I worked for a family restuarant who were family friends. During my first nights washing dishes I was so timid I would keep making stupid mistakes, putting dishes in the wrong spot, not loading the machine correctly, and I even broke a dish. It was the most uncomfortable night I've ever had. I did not know much about them, they were closer to my parents then with me, but it wasn't until I started asking Giovanni about his life in Italy and why he loved to cook he opened up and we became really close. I became comfortable in my work atmosphere and did so well that I advanced to waitressing. That was not the only thing that came out of become closer with Paula and Giovanni. As my graduation present I was invited to join them in a 14 day trip to Italy.
   I've learned from that work experience that sometimes it's better to go in right at the beginning and talk about strengths and weaknesses, because then it will not come as a surprise to a boss that you are struggling with certain situations or assignments.
    When I first became the New Member Educator in Gamma Phi Beta I was nervous that they would think I am intimidating or unhappy, but I could tell that all of the NM's were so nervous about me liking them that none of them were asking questions, they were all polite, quiet, and anxious. It wasn't until I did an Ice Breaker that the girls begin and laugh and talk.