There is a formula for a successful relationship, personal and business. The key:

The Foundation: Complete Honesty

Complete honesty is the foundation. It's like a house, the best foundation will last longest. With complete honesty Trust is automatic. Automatic trust because the person knows you are always honest, so there is no barrier, trust is automatic. With Trust, there is security, there is good communication, there is peace.

Early in our marriage my wife bought me a gold ring for my birthday. It had a large initial "B". She asked me how I liked it. Since I believe in complete honesty, that means in everything! So I told her right then; it wasn't me, it just wasn't my style. She was a little hurt. It hurt me to tell her. But she never bought me anything like that again, I never had to lie about it, and yes, it made our relationship stronger. I've told this story so many times.

In addition to the formula of Honesty, then trust, then great communications... is an important element for personal relationships... and business relationships.... it's GOD. Everyone would benefit from seeing my brother Bruce Andujar speak in a training class. His website is www.basalesforce.com. He lifts people when he speaks, and he brings GOD into the conversation. My wife and I have prayed together since our first date. And, I'm not an old guy. We met in high school and married within 11 months. That was 1984. Been married since.

If you have any questions, you can email me at blake@thinkingclear.com.