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ATD Blog

Don't Let Your Professional Relationships Dry Out

Tuesday, March 25, 2014
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Forgetting to water a plant is a common occurrence in my house. Plants very quickly (well, it feels quickly to me) start to droop, wilt, and then the petals drop off. I try to pay attention, but the results are not pretty…

As I am discarding the old plant, I always have a good reason—or excuse—for the neglect:

  • I was on holiday.
  • I didn't realize you have to water cacti. (You do.)
  • I was busy, and just didn't see the plant wilting.
  • I thought someone else was tending to it.

In my work with leaders and companies, I find the same type of situations. Leaders forget to pay attention to the important things, like cultivating effective relationships with colleagues. As a result, workplace connections wilt and performance withers.  
While this may not be reflected in fallen petals, it often becomes apparent in missed deadlines, tense meetings and interactions, and by people not being available when needed. Ultimately, performance suffers—for leaders and everyone that works with them.

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The good news: You don’t need to have a “green thumb” to cultivate powerful relationships at work. It is basic common sense that, unfortunately, many of us forget to implement. Here are six questions that you can use to nurture your “ally” relationships:

  • What's being happening since we last spoke?
  • What’s working well?
  • What’s getting in the way of your/our success?
  • What have I done to amaze you recently?
  • How have I missed expectations?
  • What is one thing I could do differently to help you/us?

These are simply some "pulse-check questions" for fostering nurturing relationships. You don't have to ask all six questions at one time; it is okay to spread them out over a few meetings. I try to ensure that I ask these questions of critical stakeholders and professional colleagues. The secret to success is to ask them, listen to the answers, and then take the appropriate action.
My challenge to you:  Pick just ONE of these questions and pose it to a colleague. In doing so, you will find out how quickly you can cultivate a healthier relationship!

About the Author

Morag Barrett is the author of the best-selling book “Cultivate. The Power of Winning Relationships.” She is also the founder and CEO of SkyeTeam, and dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations achieve extraordinary business results through leadership development and human resources management. Morag’s experience ranges from senior executive coaching to developing high potential individuals and teams, as well as working with FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 organizations. She is a highly effective speaker, trainer and coach for new managers and seasoned executives alike. Prior to founding SkyeTeam, Morag held leadership positions at Level 3 Communications, and NatWest Bank where she advised international organizations on their corporate strategy and growth plans. Originally from the UK, she has experience with a wide range of cultures and businesses developing high potential individuals and teams across the United States, Europe and Asia. Morag brings more than 25 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of running a business and leading executive teams. Morag holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from De Montfort University, UK and received the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation. She is also a recognized business coach for the Corporate Coach University and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the UK. When not at work Morag can be found sailing with her husband and three sons, playing the Bassoon for the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra, or Ballroom dancing!

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