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How to Build Better Relationships with People as a Leader

By Tammy Grabowski | May 28, 2025
How to Build Better Relationships with People as a Leader

Great leadership starts with great relationships. When you genuinely connect, trust deepens, communication opens up. Teams stop just working together and start believing in what they’re building.

The truth is, leadership rises and falls on relationships. Without mutual respect, understanding, and real connection, even the best-laid plans can fall flat. But when you take the time to truly invest in the people around you, you unlock something powerful: influence that inspires, not just instructs.

Let’s explore how to build better relationships with the people you lead—and why it just might be the most impactful thing you do as a leader.

The Importance of Building Relationships with Your Team as a Leader

Establishing meaningful relationships within your team is a key component of successful leadership. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Strong relationships enable open communication, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and feedback, leading to innovative solutions and improved performance.

In the Maxwell Leadership Podcast episode 5 Ways to Win With People,” John Maxwell emphasizes that leadership rests on the foundation of relationships. Without mutual respect and trust, influence fades. But when leaders take the time to build genuine connections, they create a space where collaboration thrives and communication flows freely.

The impact goes beyond daily interactions. Strong relationships build loyalty. They reduce turnover. They cultivate a culture where people are motivated to bring their best—not because they have to, but because they want to.

As a leader, your ability to foster meaningful relationships doesn’t just shape the experience of your team—it shapes the future of your organization.

Watch the full episode our podcast “5 Ways to Win with People” on YouTube 

Strategies to Build Better Relationships with People

Developing meaningful relationships within your team is a continuous process that requires intentional effort. By focusing on key strategies, leaders can create an atmosphere where motivation and trust thrive and team members feel valued and integral to the organization’s mission.

In the same podcast mentioned above, Mark Cole and Chris Goede, the CEO and  Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, respectively, share practical strategies for leaders to enhance their interpersonal connections. Let’s delve into these strategies: 

1. Remember Names to Build Personal Connections

Imagine the warmth that spreads when someone addresses you by name—it resonates deeply. Drawing inspiration from Dale Carnegie, John Maxwell reminds us, “A person’s name is the sweetest sound to them.” By making the effort to remember and use each individual’s name, we convey respect and genuine interest, making them feel seen and appreciated. This simple act can weave stronger threads of connection between leaders and their teams.​

2. Recognize Your Team’s Achievements Publicly

Recognition has the power to uplift spirits and ignite passion. While a private acknowledgment is meaningful, celebrating your team’s accomplishments publicly magnifies its impact. Highlighting successes during meetings, showcasing them in company communications, or instituting formal recognition programs can amplify morale. Such gestures bolster the confidence of those recognized and set a precedent of excellence and appreciation within the organization.

3. Implement The 30-Second Rule

First impressions in interactions can set the tone for the entire conversation. The 30-Second Rule encourages us to offer a positive, affirming statement within the initial 30 seconds of an encounter. Beginning with a heartfelt compliment or genuine appreciation paves the way for constructive and engaging dialogues. 

This practice can revolutionize the dynamics between leaders and team members, fostering deeper and more productive relationships.

4. See and Bring Out The Best In Your People

Great leaders possess the vision to see the untapped potential in their team members. When as a leader, you identify and nurture each individual’s strengths, you empower them to shine brighter. Offering opportunities that align with their talents, providing feedback that emphasizes growth, and creating a culture where positive attributes are celebrated can lead to heightened confidence and performance. This propels individual growth and fortifies the team’s collective success.

5. Express Mutual Need

There’s profound strength in vulnerability. Openly communicating to your team that their contributions are invaluable fosters a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. John Maxwell beautifully articulates this sentiment: “I really need you.” Such sincere admissions elevate an individual’s sense of purpose and underscore a leader’s trust in their team’s capabilities. When every member feels indispensable, they’re inspired to invest wholeheartedly in the organization’s vision.​

6. Cultivate Trust

Cole emphasizes that trust is the bedrock of any thriving relationship. As leaders, consistently demonstrating integrity, transparency, and reliability lays the foundation for this trust. Honoring commitments, communicating openly about challenges, and ensuring our actions mirror our words create a safe space where team members feel encouraged to share ideas and concerns. As this trust deepens, so does the team’s cohesion and effectiveness, setting the stage for collective achievements.

Want to go deeper on this topic? Read Want Better Relationships? Be Relatable!

7. Foster Authentic Relationships

Authenticity is magnetic. When leaders embrace and share their true selves—including their challenges and vulnerabilities—they invite their team to do the same. This mutual openness fosters an environment of respect and understanding. When leaders are transparent about their journeys and receptive to feedback, they humanize leadership, making it more approachable. Prioritizing authenticity paves the way for deeper, more meaningful connections that drive both personal and organizational growth.

To enhance your relationships with your team, join the Maxwell Leadership 5 Strategies To Win With People Workshop

Build Impactful Team Relationships with Maxwell Leadership Coaching

Developing strong, authentic relationships is a journey that requires intentional effort and the right tools. At Maxwell Leadership, we are committed to equipping leaders like you with the skills and insights needed to cultivate meaningful connections within their teams. Our Leadership Communication Training offers tailored programs designed to enhance your communication abilities, enabling you to articulate your vision clearly and inspire those around you.

For ongoing guidance and inspiration, subscribe to the Maxwell Leadership Podcast. Each episode delves into practical strategies and transformative ideas to support your leadership development journey.

Contact us to join our community of leaders dedicated to creating positive change through values-based leadership.

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