Self Help

Characteristics of Healthy Relationships in Healthy Organizations

By Richard Boyum
UW-Eau Claire Counseling Services

In higher education (and other places as well) students and staff are involved in a variety of organizational structures. The success of these organizations is dependant upon healthy relationships among group members.

Listed below are some of the most important qualities and characteristics that contribute to a healthy organization. Think of each listing as being on a scale of 1-10. Find a number to that listing in your organization. How does your organization(s) rate? Are you satisfied with what you see? What could be done to improve the health of your organization? Please feel free to add to this list.

People in healthy organizations:

1. Respect each other
2. Care about each other
3. Have reasonable knowledge of each other
4. Know who is responsible for what
5. Are gentle with each other
6. Trust each other and tell the truth
7. Are willing to share thoughts and feelings
8. Meet together for good purpose
9. Really listen to each other and pay attention
10. Value the roles that each member plays
11. Allows for individuals without “title” to be leaders
12. When there is conflict it is “care-fronted” more than “con-fronted”
13. Can articulate the groups core values and goals
14. Have an understanding that goals are measurable, attainable and time bound
15. Knows and values that each person has a life away from the organization
16. Keeps a healthy balance between work and non-work life
17. Learn from the past, plan for the future, but focus on daily priorities and responsibilities
18. Celebrate success and recognize tasks “well done” on a regular basis
19. Are open to change and the creative process, but…
20. Honors routine (i.e. things often keep working for a good reason)
21. Keeps learning
22. Enjoys humor and laughter