Have you ever worked for someone who made you feel like a task on their to-do list? Yeah, same Horrible experience. Welcome to message 358 of the Growth Instigators Hotline, where we ignite your personal and professional development. I'm Aaron Havens, your host and growth coach. Winning Leadership Wednesday the power of relational leadership.

Okay, here's the one big idea I want to land today. You don't lead people well by being impressive. You lead them well by being present. That's right. Relational leadership isn't soft, it's smart, because the truth is, people won't follow you just because you're right. They'll follow you when they feel respected. R-e-s-p-e-c-t that's right. People will follow you when they feel respected.

We've all had a leader who had a vision board and a killer strategy but couldn't remember your name or even look you in the eye. Let's not be that guy. Let's not be that woman. Let's not be that leader. Seriously, don't be that. Be a relational leader. Slow down to connect.

The best leaders ask more questions than they give answers. They don't just check on results, they check in on people. Be a relational leader. Consistency wins. You don't have to be everyone's best friend. Just show up Reliability, honesty, fully present and be a relational leader.

Earn trust by listening. You'd be shocked what people will share with you when they feel safe. Trust grows in the cracks between what's wrong with you and what's going on with you. Listen, hey, john Maxwell puts it this way People buy into leaders before they buy into the vision. So, yeah, go ahead and bring the big ideas, but also bring a little empathy. A little time and maybe a donut or two along the way would help. I'm here for you. If your leadership team is great on paper but struggling to connect with people, I help organizations build cultures that lead from relationships, not just results. Visit growthinstigatorscom or shoot me a text at 970-306-6432 and let's chat about how I can help. Thank you for calling Growth Instigator Hotline. I'd love to hear from you after the beep For real. I'm trying to be relational on this call, so a monologue is boring. I want a dialogue. Please answer this question what's one relationship you could strengthen this week? By just being present and, as always, keep instigating growth in all you do.