You’ve probably heard me say it before: relationships matter.
(They’re one of the three pillars of my Career Control System—right up there with Clarity and Productivity.)
No matter what your goals are at work—whether it’s getting ahead, switching directions, or just surviving without burning out—relationships are essential..
And yet… I see it all the time:
- You keep your head down and focus on the work.
- You stay tight with your work bestie, but no one else.
- You avoid your manager unless absolutely necessary.
I get it.
Changing how you work, show up, or interact with others isn’t easy. Especially when your schedule is already packed.
But let me show you what can happen when you shift your approach:
➡️ C wanted a promotion, but constant reorgs meant new managers all the time. It was her relationships with other leaders that got her the VP role.
➡️ G was putting in major effort to push initiatives forward—but getting nowhere. A shift in how they engaged with colleagues turned things around.
➡️ D inherited a “problem employee.” After truly listening—and connecting with the team—this person became a top performer.
➡️ J felt completely stuck… until one casual conversation with someone on another team opened up an entirely new path.
➡️ K started looking forward to work—because of the coffee dates and better connections they built.
Yes, relationships take time.
But they also save you time, reduce friction, and unlock possibilities you never saw coming.
So if you’re ready to start making this shift, here’s a super simple plan:
Step 1:
Make two lists (these can be within and outside your company).
- 3 people you know well but haven’t talked to in a while
- 3 people you don’t know that well but would like to
Step 2:
Reach out to the folks you already know.
- In-office? Invite them for coffee.
- Not onsite? Send a DM, a funny meme, or just check in with a quick “Hey, what have you been up to?”
Step 3:
Pick 1–2 people from the “don’t know well” list.
- Send a message.
- Comment on something they’ve posted.
- Ask a simple question or offer a compliment.
Step 4:
Repeat.
Keep it low-pressure. Keep it real.
Just. Start.
Got questions? Throw them in comments—I’d love to hear from you.
0 Comments