Manila, 22 June 2023 — Finding answers to key questions for leaders.

Story

It happened in the past week. In my work with several groups of leaders, the issue of relationships invariably came to the fore in our conversations. Relationships they described as ranging from strong and inspirational to weak and toxic.

In leadership development, we often say that leadership happens in relationships and conversations. For this reason, the quality of our relationships is central to our quest to become more effective leaders.

As leaders, it’s imperative for us to work on creating better relationships. So what matters there, and how to get started? 

Challenge

If you are ready to pick up this challenge, the first question is Who matters most to you in your work and life. They are your key relationships. If you neglect them or take them for granted, that will negatively impact your leadership in work and life. Have you already worked out who they are?

The second question is What you should do to improve your relationships. This is about building trust. If you can visualize a dashboard of trust, you want to move the trust needle of each key relationship into the green zone. Especially for the people you have neglected. 

The third question is How you should improve your relationships. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that. It depends on where you’re at in your leadership journey, the limits of your awareness, and the contents of your leadership toolbox, including your unique combination of strengths and skills. This takes exploring and discovery.

Question

We have lots of questions to consider this week, starting with those above. Asking yourself the right questions will help you find the right answers and execute those answers. That’s what we do in a coaching relationship.

Moving the quality of your key relationships into the green zone—where transformational conversations and extraordinary collaboration become possible—requires new insights and tools, and dealing with blind spots.

Coaching helps leaders prepare for difficult conversations that will transform the way they show up and communicate to create better relationships. Week after week, it’s a privilege to witness that happening. 

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