Build Better Work Relationships: How to have Intentional Conversations

6 Powerful Questions and 4 Super Skills

Investing in better work relationships is key to fostering trust, boosting productivity, and creating a collaborative workplace culture. Leaders who take time to build meaningful connections with their teams see higher engagement, reduced turnover, and better results. One of the most effective ways to start is by having intentional, get-to-know-you conversations with direct reports and key collaborators.

The Benefits of Building Relationships

Relationships at work directly impact performance and satisfaction. Gallup research shows that disengaged employees cost U.S. businesses up to $550 billion annually. Conversely, highly engaged teams are 21% more productive and 22% more profitable. Beyond numbers, meaningful connections create environments where people feel valued, which enhances trust, innovation, and problem-solving.

Taking the time to connect helps to:

• Enhance collaboration by understanding preferences and strengths.

• Build trust, reducing conflicts and miscommunication.

• Increase engagement, leading to better performance and retention.

How to have an Intentional Get-to-Know Conversation

Schedule thirty-minute meetings to serve as the foundation for ongoing, stronger relationships. This is for new or existing relationships.

Clearly communicate that the purpose of the meeting is to build mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s styles. Share the proposed questions below beforehand, emphasizing this will be a relaxed, two-way conversation rooted in care and respect. Be sure not to slip into an interrogation like box-checking exercise. Stay present and engaged.

Here are 6 powerful questions for a Get-to-Know Conversation:

1. What is an accomplishment you’re proud of? This sets a positive tone and highlights what motivates the person. This is also a great question to open an interview.
2. What are your strengths? This encourages self-awareness and gives insight into where they thrive.
3. How do you prefer to work? Explore preferences around communication, feedback, and collaboration.
4. What have you learned from successful past relationships? This celebrates growth and identifies behaviors that work well.
5. What have you learned from unsuccessful past relationships? This is a respectful method to identify triggers and preventable conflicts.
6. How will we address issues between us if they arise? Set a proactive plan for navigating misunderstandings or tension and how you will work through disagreements.

Super Skills for Building Connections

To make these conversations meaningful, leaders should model these four super skills:

1. Presence: Be in the moment, focus on the speaker, listen without judgment, and resist the urge to plan your response.
2. Curiosity: Ask clarifying questions and show genuine interest.
3. Amplification: Highlight the significance of what the other person shares to show appreciation.
4. Sponsorship: Identify opportunities to support their growth and success.

Maintaining Relationships

Strong relationships require ongoing care. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss how the relationship is evolving, not just task updates. Simple prompts like “What’s working?” or “What could be better?” help maintain alignment and trust.

Creating a Culture of Connection

When leaders model intentional relationship-building, it cascades through the organization, fostering a culture where people feel safe, valued, and motivated. This approach isn’t about being perfect but about consistently showing up with curiosity and a commitment to better relationships.

Start today by scheduling your first Get-to-Know Conversation. Investing time yields more engaged, collaborative, and high-performing employees and teams.

Download the Step-by-Step Guide

Download your 7 Step Guide to Planning an Intentional Get-to-Know Conversation