Relationships and motivation

In my role I currently have responsibility as the chief plans/analyst for the operations divison, with a couple of directs. I also fill an un-official role as a deputy director for the operations team.  One member of the operational team spends 95% of his time handling the HR requirements of our team and is a direct report to an HR manager. He joins the team as an operations guy during major projects. Recently we kicked off a major project that is short staffed due to uncontrollable factors.  Our HR/ops guy has been sorely needed to help the team execute the day-to-day functions required.  The floor boss has approached the HR manager and the teammate and tried to push, prod, cajole and even rant in order to get our HR/ops guy involved in the project.  He's failed.

I approached the HR manager and just sat and talked with him. We have a pretty good relationship and work hard to support each others needs.  I asked him if he could figure out a way to get our HR/ops guy integrated. He said yes and would get back with me with a plan.  Then he said something that absolutely floored me. "Sir, the way you just explained your needs makes a lot more sense than the other crap I've heard. I can see now how this is the right thing to do. Not only that, I want to do this for you. Thank you."

relationships...it's all about the relationships stupid! Thanks MT for helping this cranky old combat vet see the value in relationships. Leadership is a lot more fun when people WANT to work for you.