We all know that trust is foundational to creating and maintaining any high value relationship. If a leader is to wield any level of influence with the board, direct reports, peers, etc – it is essential. When shared trust is experienced:

• Overall performance is enhanced.
• Innovation and problem solving becomes faster because we are more open with each other.
• Approach to conflict is healthier.
• Learning and forgiveness take precedence over being right and blaming – thus further deepening trust.

Yet, strengthening trust – especially when we feel trust is not at the level it needs to be is not easy for a couple of reasons. (more…)

During my first fifteen years in business I was a successful sales professional.  During my career I was able to achieve strong results in good as well as challenging economic times.  Through these ups and downs a key lesson I took away was that the approach for strengthening client relationships in a time of downturn is not that much different from the approach in good times.  That being said, whenever times got a bit rough I knew it was also a time to revisit certain fundamentals critical to adding value and maintaining important business relationships.  Given the times we find ourselves in – I wanted to offer a few suggestions that might assist you in maintaining and deepening your key business relationships. (more…)