BUILDING
PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS
What are Productive Relationships? Productive relationships are interpersonal relationships that boost your productivity and thus enable you to be successful in every aspect of your life. These types of relationships can be built within your family, workplace, a circle of friends and community.
They make being in the company of others an enjoyable experience – no matter if you are an introvert or extrovert. Moreover, they are reciprocal relationships, meaning that they consist of giving and, in return, receiving. A Productive Muslim sees relationships as an opportunity to strengthen his social skills and get to the peak of his productivity.
What are the Benefits of Productive Relationships?
A strong productive relationship between yourself and your fellow human beings has multiple benefits in the Hereafter( Akhirah) and in this life( Dunya).
Hereafter
Having productive relationships, which includes having a positive attitude towards everyone you meet in this life, will be rewarded by Allah( SWT) in the next life in shaa Allah( if Allah wills). This should be our main objective while trying to build productive relationships.“ And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good” [ Qur’ an: Chapter 2, Verse 195 ]
At the same time, we are following the Sunnah of our Prophet( SAW) who was the best of mankind and the epitome of productivity itself. We constantly read and hear about how wonderfully he treated his companions, wives, children and entire Muslim community. So why not establish productive relationships like he did?
The Prophet( SAW) said:“ The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” [ Abu Dawud ]
Dunya
A lot of times, we face challenges that seem to come out of nowhere and hardships that make us feel hopeless
– obstacles that can decrease our productivity tremendously. Productive relationships give us the encouragement and strength that we need to rise above these tribulations. Furthermore, you will always have somebody to give you a helping hand when you need it – no matter if it’ s a friend, family member or co-worker, they will all be more than happy to help because of the way you treat them. Looking at it from a psychological perspective, productive relationships reduce anxiety and corollary stress. They also promote emotional security and happiness since you will be with the company of those who appreciate you.
How Can I Build Productive Relationships?
The following points are principles that I myself started applying to build productive relationships. As you will notice, they all have their roots in the Sunnah of our Prophet( SAW).
1. Smile“ Don’ t consider anything insignificant out of good things even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance.” [ Muslim ]
We have heard it a million times, I know. But if so much emphasis is being put on the simple act of smiling, there must be truth behind it. It is said that a smile fits the lock of everybody’ s heart. People who smile at others are without a doubt more approachable and attractive than those who wear a permanent scowl on their face. A smile is such a small gesture, yet so powerful. It can make somebody’ s day. And it is usually contagious. Just remember the last time you were in a sour mood and somebody passed by you with a smile and a generally good mood. Furthermore, it indicates to the person you meet that you are genuinely happy to see them and leaves a positive lasting impression.
2. Compliment“ Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or keep silent.” [ Bukhari ]
We all know that getting a compliment is one of the best feelings in the world. Somehow it makes us feel accomplished and appreciated. If your friend is wearing a nice outfit, your child received a good grade on his exam, your wife prepared a nice dinner or your students put a lot of effort into their essay – compliment them. It is one of the most encouraging and motivating things you can do for somebody. However, avoid handing out compliments too often and be sincere when you do.
3. Care About Others“ If anyone removes his brother’ s anxiety of this world, Allah will remove for him one of the anxieties of the Day of resurrection; if anyone makes easy for an impoverished man, Allah will make easy for him in this world and on the day of resurrection; if anyone conceals a Muslim’ s secrets, Allah will conceal his secrets in this world and on the Day of resurrection; Allah will remain in the aid of a servant so long as the servant remains in the aid of his brother.” [ Abu Dawud ]
When you remember details of a person’ s life, it shows them that they are important to you. A simple act like addressing them by their name, inquiring about their studies at university, their work or asking