Part 2: The Vancouver Manifesto: Culture | Relationships

A couple of weeks ago we posted Part 1 of the Vancouver Manifesto series, introducing you to Action Point 1 on Social Responsibility and Sustainability, brought to life with an article by Benoit Sauvage.

This week, we’re diving into Action Point 2 – Culture, Relationships and Teamwork.

CULTURE | RELATIONSHIPS | TEAMWORK

“Success in tomorrow’s business environment will depend in large part on fostering brilliant teamwork and respectful relationships between all stakeholders, as part of an ethical and empowering corporate culture. We believe that well designed and executed incentive travel programmes are uniquely effective in building these attributes”

A Refresher – What is the Vancouver Manifesto?

Two years ago, SITE set out on a journey to understand the nature, purpose and direction of incentive travel. The results of the first leg of that journey became the Bangkok Manifesto — a “big think” that shared “What’s next?” in 10 aspirational statements. The second leg of that journey moved from the broad ideas of the Bangkok Manifesto to deliver actionable approaches for every part of the industry. This is the Vancouver Manifesto.

There are 3 core Action Points:

Social Responsibility | Sustainability
Culture | Relationships | Teamwork
Economic Growth | Innovation

An Inside Perspective on Culture, Relationships, & Teamwork

This week, SITE asked El Kwang, Co-Founder + CEO of Untangled and Member of SITE International Board of Directors what Action Point 2 means to him.

“Relationships provide us with good sounding boards, opportunities for growth and, often, valuable business opportunities, especially during stressful times. We should devote time to cultivating great relationships, ones that are authentic and purposeful.”
El Kwang, Co-Founder + CEO, Untangled

The following piece gives his insights into the importance of relationships.

Relationships will help us through it all

by El Kwang

One thing I know for sure…relationships will help me through it all.

Relationships can provide us with good sounding boards, opportunities for growth and, often, valuable business opportunities, especially during stressful times. If you haven’t already, you should devote time to cultivating great relationships, ones that are authentic and purposeful.

Don’t focus on job titles because some of us may not have one at the moment. Instead, seek to understand intention each time you speak to someone. If your current mental state aligns with that person’s intention, perhaps it could be cultivated into something wonderful. Putting on a strong front used to be commendable. However, it is better to be compassionate when managing all sort of situations because I believe that compassion builds sustainable resilience.

The best way to keep relationships balanced is the ability to give and ask. I refrain using the word ‘take’ because it is better to be given. Asking for help or something we need is a humbling exercise. It makes us aware that we are only human and that we must continue to help each other.

I keep in frequent contact with those I trust. This ‘trust’ has nothing to do with loyalty as it has more to do with the trust in those who help us to do the right thing; to tell me the truth when sugar-coating could lead me to nowhere. To keep us in check and most importantly, to assist only when asked so we can be more empowered to solve future issues.

When a problem is resolved, it is essential to communicate to those who helped and use what we learned to help others. Not just because we owe it to them, but because we owe it to ourselves to be fully aware of our peaks and troughs in life, which are brought to life in the recounting and sharing of these learning curves.

So, be conscious of your relationships, be compassionate, and be open to those from all walks of life. Give, and don’t be afraid to ask – and share your ups and downs with those in need within your circle. Relationships are reciprocal and endlessly beneficial, and should be the strong foundation of both your personal and business development.