As a leader, you have the unique opportunity to not only strengthen your own relationships but also cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes meaningful social bonds over barriers to connection.
For instance, when onboarding new recruits, introduce them to colleagues across all departments—even those they won't work with directly. Go further by encouraging existing employees to explore other areas of the organization. Many companies facilitate this through programs where long-term staff spend a day shadowing different teams. The more interactions employees have, the stronger the relationships they form.
To maximize impact, make introductions personal. Go beyond names, roles, and departments. Mike Morrison, former vice president and dean of Toyota University, popularized asking, "What's on the other side of your business card?" This uncovers hidden facets—like being a "great thinker," "educator," or simply sharing a hobby or hometown—which forge instant, authentic links.
Related: How to Build Great Relationships
Building social capital doesn't mean forcing everyone to be best friends— that's unrealistic. Instead, aim for mutual respect and genuine interactions. Avoid contrived icebreakers that breed discomfort; let connections emerge naturally in a supportive environment. Top leaders create space for this by designing communal areas. One CEO noticed vibrant conversations—laughing, sharing weekend stories, teasing each other—in stairwells, so he widened them and added coffee stations to encourage it.
Dedicate time for team lunches and after-hours mingling. Even standard meetings can nurture bonds, as organizational psychologist Jane Dutton notes. Promote active listening and equal participation. A CEO I admire bans phones in his meetings to ensure full presence, embodying what Dutton calls "relational attentiveness." Paying close attention to team dynamics yields powerful results.
Use inclusive language that emphasizes shared goals and interdependence to boost cohesion. Be fully present: When someone enters your office or calls, set aside your screen. An accountant once shared how the sound of keyboard clicks signaled his boss's disengagement. True connection demands active listening—focusing on the speaker, resisting the urge to interrupt, and asking thoughtful follow-ups, as Dutton advises.
Related: Titles Don't Make Leaders – But These 7 Actions Do
The most effective leaders forgo desks for "managing by wandering around" (MBWA), a practice popularized in the 1980s by Tom Peters from Hewlett-Packard executives. Face-to-face encounters enable timely recognition and feedback. Specific, sincere praise—like a daily thank-you email to a colleague—solidifies bonds and boosts well-being.
Related: Dr. Henry Cloud: The Most Important Part of Success is Connection
Research shows gratitude sparks a positive cycle: It motivates reciprocity, enhances team integration, and fosters cohesion. Expressing thanks positions you as the "glue" holding the group together.
Related: What kind of leader are you? A fixer, a fighter or a friend?
This article originally appeared in the August 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
