Summary: Relationships lie at the heart of effective leadership. They are the bedrock upon which trust, collaboration, and influence are built. The ability to forge and nurture meaningful relationships is paramount for leaders seeking to navigate complexity and drive sustainable change.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I report to the second most important person in our organization. The first, is the Founder and CEO. Next is the President who is the only one the CEO really listens to.
Here is my conundrum.
The President is a strong willed man. He tells all of us on the Executive Team that no one else’s opinion matters except his and his boss.
However, my team and those of the other exec’s are not happy with his “drill sergeant” techniques. We are to “do what we are told and not complain.” That is his way to get high productivity and, of course, more money for the company.
The number of people who quit to go to greener pastures is huge.
For instance, he says, “Don’t worry about what others say, it doesn’t matter. Keep holding their ‘feet to the fire’ and make them work, work, work.”
It feels so old fashioned, like back in the times of the “sweat shops” where people worked or starved.
I am halfway out the door.
I know you are a relationship expert. What glimmers should I be looking for?
Is he right? Am I too kind-hearted?
Signed,
Confused Leader
Importance of Relationships in Leadership
Dear Confused Leader,
You are right about the old model of top down leadership.
In fact, the model consisted of “do what you are told or you will be fired.”
However, times change. We are now in an era of offering mental health initiatives at work. There is a desire to keep people from excessive stress and chronic illness.
Did you ever consider how much chronic illness costs an organization? Think billions of dollars of lost time and poor results.
In fact, did you know that until recently when most heart attacks occurred? Research indicates it was at the start of a new work week on Monday morning.
Also, it costs more to groom a new employee than help those who have already been working together. It is cost effective for employees to grow to next levels of development.
Here is what I think you need to tell your boss before you decide to hand in your resignation.
Give him a glimmer of what is possible. Then new ways to respond are considered.
Perhaps he will listen.
And, if not, then, it is time for u to move on.
Remember that more and more companies are based on both financial gain and results through relationships.
You are not a serf, you have many options today. Here are the basics that I guess you already know. Thus, this is just a reminder about the core reasons we want to work at companies that care.
How to offer him a glimmer of possibility comes after you read about the power of relationships at work.
Trust and Collaboration are foundational in the modern work place
Trust forms the foundation of all successful relationships.
In other words, when leaders cultivate trust among team members, stakeholders, and partners, they create a positive environment. The workplace is then conducive to collaboration, innovation, and collective problem-solving.
By fostering trust, leaders empower individuals to take risks, share ideas openly, and work towards shared goals with confidence.
Influence and Persuasion are vital leadership skills
Effective leadership hinges on the ability to influence others positively.
Through authentic relationships built on trust and mutual respect, leaders can inspire and motivate individuals. Then, they can embrace new ideas, adopt innovative approaches, and commit to shared visions.
By cultivating influence through relationships, leaders can mobilize resources, rally support, and drive meaningful change within and beyond their organizations.
Resilience and Adaptability create psychological safety at work
In times of uncertainty and change, strong relationships serve as a source of resilience and adaptability.
Leaders who invest in building robust networks of support and collaboration are better equipped. They can navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities for growth and innovation.
By cultivating relationships based on trust and reciprocity, leaders can foster agility, resilience, and adaptability within their teams and organizations.
Building Trust and Rapport is a core leadership skill
Building trust and rapport is a delicate yet essential aspect of relationship-building for leaders. It requires authenticity, empathy, and consistent effort to establish and maintain meaningful connections with others.
Authenticity and Transparency are leadership requirements for long term success
Authenticity is the cornerstone of trust-building in leadership.
Leaders demonstrate sincerity, honesty, and transparency in their actions. Then their communications foster trust and credibility among their team members and stakeholders.
It takes effort to align words with actions. Then leaders can build rapport and inspire confidence in their leadership.
Empathy and Understanding are not just for parents to children
Empathy plays a pivotal role in building strong relationships.
For example, leaders who demonstrate empathy and understanding towards the needs, concerns, and perspectives of others cultivate trust and rapport within their teams and communities.
By actively listening, seeking to understand, and showing compassion, leaders can create an inclusive and supportive environment. This is critical for individuals to feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
Consistency and Reliability help to keep stress in the healthy zone
Consistency and reliability are essential for building trust over time. Leaders who demonstrate consistency in their behavior, decisions, and actions build credibility and reliability among their team members and stakeholders.
By honoring commitments, following through on promises, and maintaining open lines of communication, leaders reinforce trust and confidence in their leadership, fostering a culture of accountability and integrity.
In conclusion, building trust and rapport is foundational to effective leadership.
By cultivating authenticity, empathy, and consistency in their relationships, leaders can foster trust, collaboration, and resilience within their teams and organizations, driving success and sustainability in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS Here is the glimmer sentence to your boss, ” I am willing to create a meeting to look at how it is best to get results through relationships. Here are some books and research we can use to find a better way to work together.”
Then I suggest you watch and share with your boss the new film, “The Beautiful Game.” Based on true stories, it depicts how caring and working together do lead to success.
Also, please contact me for a list of ways other companies have made the shift to full employee engagement and higher productivity.
