The Power Of Reciprocation
Updated: Oct 31, 2024
Sheryl Maharaj is well-recognised globally as a Relationship Consultant, specialising in multifaceted workplace dynamics and interpersonal relationships, with a unique focus on breaking patterns for transformative change. Sheryl integrates her love for ancient traditions and science-based methodology in human development for meaningful results.
Reciprocity is a critical component in any relationship with transformative benefits. It involves mutual exchange and plays an integral role in strengthening communication, building trust and sustaining meaningful relationships to enhance satisfaction and well-being of the individuals in any environment.
Let’s be honest, many of us are familiar with reciprocity of an unequal nature or more in favour of one side over the other i.e. giving and receiving.
I see you. It is common practice if you are unaware of this behaviour.
Stop and check in for a moment. What you may discover is that this behaviour has been applied to all areas in life - be it professional, interpersonal or in your community.
Here is the good news.
This ingrained pattern can be changed. It may need your attention and action. It asks you to reflect on your relationship dynamics and take a pivot or readjust in some way if necessary and regain balance.
Think of a scale in balance
Tipping too far in one direction or another eventually causes strain. If left unchecked for too long this behaviour creeps in and cements itself as the expected norm in relationships. This type of pressure on yourself or placed on another may be the breakage point and detrimental to the individual or workplace dynamic.
Make it a point to reciprocate as you would like to be treated in return and if the roles were reversed. Keep in mind your underlying intention and the benefits derived from a genuine exchange.
Reciprocity can be tailored to each relationship and in context. An organisation will require a different approach to other types of relationships.
In healthy reciprocal relationships the focus is encouraged on a delicate balancing act of the scale. This is a tall ask at 100% and all the time.
If you are expecting like for like, in return every single time or equal amounts of, give and take then it might be time to reassess this thinking.
Reciprocation will fall flat in competition with another or if used as a means for comparison. At its essence it requires cooperation, sharing, willingness to participate, ownership and trust.
Leaders pave the way
Leaders bring awareness to the needs of others and to their own needs. This requires an understanding of yourself. It also requires the capacity to observe the environment objectively and fine-tune as required at any given point in time.
Great leadership teams encourage reciprocation.
Keeping in mind long-term benefits for all and address or readjust the scale as appropriate with open and transparent communication and deliberate attention.
The link between interdependency & reciprocation
It takes courage to lean on another. In the workplace feedback, skills, experience and knowledge is shared when working on team goals to improve outcomes. Interdependence requires individuals to lean on each other and at the same time maintain a clear sense of self, in doing so.
Reciprocal action may look like working together to improve communication skills or interacting across the organisation to achieve goals or supporting each other's personal and professional growth. This requires trust and certainty on the dependency.
Exchange of energy
This mutual exchange becomes the magnet that attracts continued positive outcomes, and individuals feel nourished with a sense of direction established. From this space there is a healthy dose of play, creativity, curiosity, achievement and shared joy.
The power of reciprocation will spark a chain reaction beneficial to all in your relationships.
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Read more from Sheryl Maharaj
Sheryl Maharaj, Relationship Consultant And Founder, Nourish
Sheryl Maharaj is well-recognised globally as a Relationship Consultant And Founder, Nourish. Her services aim to bring awareness to the forefront for individuals, team and organisations with pragmatic tools for moving through conflict, breaking patterns, creating connection, mastering effective communication and decision-making and maintaining sustainable change. She has a background in human development, conflict resolution, polyvagal/nervous system integration and transformative change.
