Breaking down barriers between people requires patience and the ability to listen.

When trying to build a relationship with someone I often ask, “What can I do for you?”

This communicates to them that I am not interested in competing with them, but rather working to build a mutually beneficial relationship. This attitude is also the basis for developing a successful business ecosystem–a space where people of diverse backgrounds and interests can come together to support a common cause.

[Photo:  A security gate over a window in a gym.]