☕️ The 1 thing that makes or breaks your success (it’s not strategy) - issue 2

Hello! 

Last week in this newsletter, I shared 8 simple-to-action tips on how to accelerate your career by redefining networking - making it easy & enjoyable along the way. If you missed it, it's now available here on LinkedIn.

Rachel's question on networking got me thinking about the wider topic of relationships.

We talk a lot about strategy, delivery, and hitting targets. But you know what really shapes a successful career?

Relationships.

With your team. Your manager. Your peers. The people at home who keep you motivated.

The way you show up for others defines you as a team mate and as a leader. And forming deeply trusting working relationships can bring about the 1 or 2 big breaks that underpin your career success.

So here are 7 habits for professionals that strengthen relationships. They help you collaborate in a way that’s effective, sustainable & enjoyable. And build trusted relationships that accelerate your career.

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Be generous with your thanks.

Recognition isn’t just for performance reviews. It lands most deeply when it’s specific, personal, natural and shared at the time.

After a tricky meeting, drop a quick note: “Thanks for how calmly you handled that - it made all the difference.” Or to your boss: "Thanks for trusting me to lead that conversation - it's been really helpful for me to build credibility with X".

Tiny gestures made frequently create a lasting impact.

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Listen. Really listen.

I once did a consulting project observing Boards. You know the Chairs that made a lasting impression on me? Those who spoke least and listened first. When they did speak, they brought everyone together.

In busy roles, it’s easy to jump straight to solutions. But deep listening builds trust. Typically the solutions are better too. And crucially, they'll be more bought into.

Pause. Reflect back on what you’re hearing. Ask, “So is this what you mean?” Really understand them.

When people feel truly understood, they’ll go further with you - whether they’re a teammate, a peer, a boss or a friend.

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Be clear to be kind.

A CEO mentor of mine lived by the phrase "be clear to be kind". I've never forgotten it. It's so easy to rush the end of a conversation and assume everyone is on the same page. They rarely are.

If you take the example of working well with others; we all have quirks, triggers, and preferences. Why leave people to figure them out by trial and error?

A simple exercise I recommend is having a “working with me” conversation. Share yours. Ask for theirs. Send around a quick write-up. Suddenly, collaboration feels smoother.

• Things that put me at my best / worst
• When & how I like to communicate & receive feedback/input
• How I make decisions

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Conflict isn’t a setback. It’s an opportunity.

Tension doesn’t mean a relationship is broken. It just means there’s something to explore & learn from.

Instead of dodging it or trying to “win”, stay curious. “Tell me more about what’s driving your perspective.” 

Have "hard conversations" before they fester - they're rarely as "hard" as you think. And that shift— from defending to understanding to ideating together—can turn friction into step-changing progress.

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Quality time is not a luxury.

Anyone who has worked with me knows that I love walking meetings. Side by side. Or a FaceTime pacing around the park.

Whether it’s a walk or a drink with a colleague, a lunch without your phone, or a weekend spent truly offline with loved ones, presence strengthens relationships.

Getting to know your colleagues as people rather than workmates doesn’t happen by accident. You have to make space for it.

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Boundaries create a better understanding. 

It may feel counterintuitive, but setting clear limits creates calm, not anxiety.

That might mean finishing work by 5pm a few nights a week. Protecting meeting-free lunches so you can properly re-energise. Or letting your team know you don’t check emails on the weekends - and keeping to that promise.

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They’re agreements that create breathing room for everyone to work as is most productive for them. Which in turn is best for you, them and the whole team.

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 Relationships aren’t a distraction from your work. They’re what makes your work impactful.

When your team & boss trusts you, they’ll go the extra mile. They'll advocate for you.

None of us moves forward alone. Even if you’re working independently, you’re still in a web of relationships that make (or break) your ability to thrive.

So invest in them. Nurture them. Protect them.

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Thanks - as ever - for your encouragement. I hope you enjoyed the insights from this newsletter edition.

I'm off on holiday next week so I'll take my own advice and hold off on penning a newsletter while I invest in those relationships with family and friends.

All the best,

Rich

ps. whenever you're ready, here's all the details on how I can help you with your career - be that taking stock, making a plan, executing a successful move or embarking on a total pivot with confidence.