How to Build Strong Relationships at Work: A Guide for New and Senior Leaders
Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or you’ve been leading teams for years, one thing stays the same: relationships matter.
You might have a great strategy, clear goals and a strong work ethic, but without good relationships, it's hard to make things stick. People won’t follow if they don’t trust you and change won’t happen if the team doesn’t feel heard.
So how do you build strong, genuine relationships at work, especially when you’re in a leadership position?
Let’s dive in.
Why relationships matter in leadership
It’s easy to think leadership is all about performance and delivery. And yes, getting things done matters. But how you bring people with you is just as important.
When you’re leading (especially for the first time), it’s not only about being the one with answers. It’s about creating the kind of environment where others feel safe, seen and able to contribute.
And if you're working at a more senior level, you might not have direct authority over everyone you need to influence. That’s where relationships really become your superpower. They help you collaborate across departments, build partnerships and get things done without pushing or persuading all the time.
What does a good working relationship look like?
Here are a few small and powerful things that help build strong relationships at work:
Be curious
You don’t need to have all the answers. Ask questions. Invite other perspectives. People are more likely to open up when they know you’re genuinely interested in what they think.
Try this: “What’s something I might not be seeing here?”
Listen properly
We all know how it feels when someone isn’t really listening. Leaders who listen to understand (not just to respond) help others feel respected and valued.
Follow through
If you say you’ll do something, do it. It sounds simple, but keeping your word builds trust over time.
Communicate in ways that work for others
Some people love detail. Others just want a headline. Being flexible with your style can help reduce friction and show respect for how others work.
Be a human, not just a role
You don’t have to share your life story. But letting people see a bit of your personality, humour, or values helps build real connection.
Leading through complexity: staying grounded when things get political
As you move up the ladder, relationships can get more complicated. Power dynamics, agendas, legacy issues — they’re all real. But you can still lead with integrity and connection.
Here’s how:
Be politically aware, not political. It helps to understand how things really work, without playing games.
Build alliances, not just popularity. Focus on shared goals rather than trying to please everyone.
Hold healthy boundaries. You can be kind and clear.
Don’t avoid difficult conversations. Tension doesn’t disappear just because you ignore it.
Staying grounded in your values helps you navigate complexity with confidence.
Common traps to avoid
Even with the best intentions, leaders sometimes fall into habits that damage trust. Here are a few to watch out for:
Only focusing on tasks
Yes, things need to get done, but relationships need time and attention too. Check in with people. Make time and space for connection.
Avoiding difficult conversations
It’s tempting to hope tricky situations will resolve themselves, but they rarely do. Tackling things early, with honesty, kindness and openness, usually leads to better outcomes.
Only reaching out when you need something
Relationships built only on requests start to feel one-sided. Make time for check-ins that aren’t about getting something.
Trying to be liked by everyone
Aim for trust and respect over popularity. People follow leaders who are fair, consistent and authentic — not necessarily the ones who say yes to everything.
Small actions that make a big difference
You don’t need grand gestures to build strong relationships. Often, it’s the little things that count:
Saying thank you
Remembering someone’s name or birthday
Checking in after a tough meeting
Noticing someone’s effort
Admitting when you’re wrong
These everyday actions build up over time. They send a quiet message: “I see you. I value you. I’ve got your back.”
Final thoughts: leadership is a people business
Whether you’re new to leadership or further down the path, one thing’s clear — your relationships shape your impact.
People remember how you made them feel more than what you said in a meeting. So if you want to lead well, focus on connection as much as direction.
And if building better relationships at work feels hard right now, you're not alone. It’s something many of us have to learn and re-learn as we grow.
Need support?
We help leaders build clarity, confidence and strong working relationships — whether you're just starting out or facing complex senior-level challenges.
Book a free consultation if you'd like to explore how coaching could support you.