Success in every area of our lives means different things for different people. But one thing is universal: Real success doesn’t happen without building great relationships. Having a successful life is impossible unless you treat others with kindness, respect, and concern.

Here are 7 habits successful people use for building extraordinary relationships.

1. Step in without having to be asked. Very few people offer help before they are asked. Pay close attention to what others are doing so you can tell when someone is struggling. Then offer to help by coming up with a specific way you can help.

2. Know when to have fun and when to be serious. Know when you should be invisible or when you should be centre stage and know when to you should take charge and when to follow.

3. Think of others and prove it. Act on your thoughts by giving unexpected praise. Praise helps others feel better about themselves and lets them know you’re thinking about them. Do something nice for someone you know every day not because it’s expected but because you care.

4. Realise when you have been acting or speaking badly. Apologise before you are asked to or even before others notice you’ve acted poorly. Being responsible is a key part of cultivating better relationships. When you take the blame, say you are sorry and explain why you are, and don’t try to push the blame onto someone else are the ones everyone wants in their lives.

5. Give consistently. Don’t think about what you want. Instead think about what you can give to others. Giving is the best way to establish a deep and lasting connection with other.

6. Put value in everyone’s message. Strip away the packaging of status, authority and power of others and listen to the advice, ideas, and thoughts of everyone based on its merits. Never automatically discount a message simply because of the person.

7. Some relationships will start small and may remain that way. That’s okay. Every relationship however minor or fleeting in your life, has some value to it. It could be that they are just a part of your life to brighten your day with a smile.

It’s easy to get into routines and forget about being truly present in our relationships.

Keep these 7 things in mind for the best relationships possible.