We are starting a new section of RelevantlySpeaking that is dedicated to leadership, management and corporate culture. Innovation and leading technology is an empty shell unless it is filled with the passion, inspiration, intelligence, strategy and culture of the human spirit that created it. Many of our great industry publications and blogs only cover one side of the equation: technology, data, and techniques. We will be adding the other side of success: “the human touch,” and some good old elbow grease. We hope you find this column to be the human yin to the yang of technology!

This one is a bit self explanatory. It not only relates to our companies internal relationships, but also our external relationships with clients and partnerships.

“Discord in any relationship often has unpleasant financial implications, but it is far costlier in human terms. When you are involved in a fractious relationship, physical and mental energy that could be directed toward positive achievements is dissipated needlessly, squandered upon stressful, unproductive activities.

Unfortunately, whatever the cause of friction between individuals, it adversely affects each person involved. When you find yourself in a contentious relationship, there are few acceptable alternatives. You can work out your problems or leave the team. Only you know which is the best solution for you, but if you objectively evaluate your reasons for becoming involved and find that they are still valid, your best course of action may be to swallow your pride and find a solution that is acceptable to everyone involved. If you cannot do this, perhaps it’s time to get out of the partnership and find another course toward your objective.”

This positive message is brought to you by the Napoleon Hill Foundation.