Relationships ARE your job. Build them or fail.
Why Relationships Matter
Managers with strong relationships see 30% better performance. People work harder for people they trust.
5 Ways to Build Relationships
- One-on-Ones: Regular, consistent, genuine interest in their growth.
- Listen More: Understand their goals, challenges, aspirations.
- Show Vulnerability: Let them see you’re human. Admit mistakes.
- Celebrate Together: Share wins. Make memory moments.
- Be Consistent: Reliability builds trust. Follow through always.
Common Mistakes
- Transactional: Only talking when you need something
- Conditional: Warmth only for top performers
- Inconsistent: Different behavior day to day
- Invisible: Never hanging out or connecting informally
- Inauthentic: Trying to be someone you’re not
The Impact
Teams with strong relationships have 40% lower turnover. They collaborate better. They communicate more openly.
Relationships aren’t soft. They’re foundational.
Your turn: Schedule a coffee with someone on your team this week. Just to connect.
