3 tips for relationship-building that don't take extra time

In today's tumultuous and distanced world, relationships are more important than ever. As we embark on the week of the Presidential Inauguration, there will undoubtedly be more events and information to process as the week unfolds. How do we continue to value people during a time when we don't always agree with those we work with, play with, and love the most? How can we continue to build relationships in a way that is life-giving rather than depleting? How do we stop seeing relationship-building as something to do and instead a path we simply walk? Here we offer three quick tips to build relationships (both inside and outside of the classroom, with and without students) that don't take extra time.
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3 ways to build relationships

1. People before paper. We say this one a lot in my leadership role as a school principal. My pastor calls this "building people, not projects" in his new book Bad Bosses. (I read it in a week because I certainly don't want to be one.) What if our primary calling is not to complete that project at work, but rather, to simply build people? What if, regardless of our position, our primary work is to lead people through a lens of love? Wouldn't that be enough? One of the most simple tasks we can take on each week (which don't require any extra work if this is the work) is to simply put people before paper. People before emails. People before reports. People before projects. Simply be present with them and love them well. 
2. Encourage. If you are taking suggestion one to heart, you already have people in front of you. During times when the world is ripe with a sentiment of hopelessness, uncertainty, fear, and doubt, you are called on to simply encourage. Breathe life into those around you, even if you disagree with their politics, their personal beliefs, or the way they choose to live their lives. We are all flawed and we all deserve love. How much easier it would be to live in unity with one another if we started from a place of encouragement with everyone we meet. I know that I am more likely to feel inspired to reconsider an idea or make a personal change when I have a cheerleader in my corner, don't you?
3. Find space for fun. It's no mystery that the world right now is heavy. The pandemic rages onward. Political upheaval and racial unrest continue to permeate our society. There doesn't seem to be much to celebrate. Make space for laughter, joy, and chosen fun. In place of scrolling social media or watching the repetitive events on the news, plan a game night. Engage in physical family outing. Get outside for a brisk walk or a hike. Read something for fun. Plan a movie night and camp out in a self-made fort. There is still joy among us, friends. We just need to make space for it within the heavy.

We can create safe boundaries for ourselves while still fostering relationships and cultivating love. It's a personal decision. How can you give life this week?

Linger a Little Longer:
1. What holds you back from fostering relationships right now? Does it feel hard to extend love?
2. What would bring new life to your relationships this week? Is there a strategy above you could throw out into the world?
​3. What do you need most from others this week? Can you ask for what you need?