The Power of Relational Leadership

I leave for a two-week trip to England in a few hours. As I prepare for my trip, I’m reminded of the incredible value of relationships. Why? because I am going to visit my long-time client whom I have not seen for many years.

Martin and I worked together for close to a decade. Though technically he was my client, we functioned more as colleagues, and together, we achieved remarkable things.

Our joint efforts resulted in the development of a training system that was not only adopted across the entire organization where Martin worked but also had a profound impact. We coached both frontline and union leaders to implement the system in real-world contexts, and created a toolkit that empowered trainers throughout the company to apply the leadership framework we had designed. We conducted research that proved convincingly the ROI of using the system.

 From the beginning, our working relationship rested on mutual respect and trust.

Reflecting on my beautiful memories, I’m struck by what they reveal about relational leadership. I sincerely believe in the power of relationships to transform organizations—and perhaps even the world. Expertise and positional authority certainly play a role in driving change. Still, my years of consulting and coaching leaders, along with observing those who are most effective, have shown me that relational power is the essence of sustainable, impactful leadership.

It's a simple truth that humans have an inherent need for connection. When professional relationships transcend mere transactions and evolve into meaningful partnerships, our influence on each other becomes enduring. These sustaining connections are a testament to the value of relational leadership.

Emotional intelligence is key to relational leadership. Relationships require setting aside ego, embracing collaboration, and recognizing that every individual has something valuable to offer regardless of their role. We must care for others' success as much as our own and prioritize the collective good over individual gain.

Martin and I shared a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and authenticity. Even though he's now retired and we haven't seen each other in years, the bond remains strong when a working relationship is based on integrity and caring for each other beyond mere transactions, the leadership works and the bonds last.