Nothing beats real relationships. People are still the primary asset in business

As many argue that the working week has now changed once and for all, many have noted that there has been a subtle change as the last few weeks have created an environment where, for maybe the first time, senior executives have had open access to and interaction with junior talent, as it has been the middle management layers who have tended to WFH.

This has created opportunities for both sides to learn and listen from those who would not normally be as easily accessible. Feedback suggests that both sides have enjoyed this new dynamic which
has brought new insights. Moreover, it is being asked, will this create the basis of change to come as some of the younger talents find their careers fast-forwarded due to new relationships formed with senior players.
Enjoying relationships with clients allows employees to enjoy their work and prosper. Enjoying relationships with superiors is the same; it enables talent.

Time will tell but the one thing that it has done is confirmed just how important real relationships are. During the great financial crash 2008-9 and during the pandemic, the value of relationships has been proven time and again; as they are able to be far more productive in the harshest of economic environments as they possess a priceless asset in possessing trust with clients.

There are so many research reports which show that strong cultures come from strong environments of social interaction. Enjoying relationships with clients allows employees to enjoy their work and prosper. Enjoying relationships with superiors is the same; it enables talent.

So many businesses talk about their great brands, their processes, their systems which are all important but history has shown that what makes the business stand apart when the world goes to pot are still the oldest pillars – great people who show care and trust, great service, great craft. It is no different in any business from hospitality to law to banking. Customers love to trust and know they can trust. They understand but do not love processes, systems or brands. Brands have a shelf life. Trust can last a career.

Is this important? If one believes in building a strong sustainable business, it is where everything has to start. Many leaders and companies do not spend enough time building strong relationships with potential clients and existing customers.

However, many young talents who have grown up in a digital and virtual world do not feel that they possess the skills to be able to build relationships. Of course, they can but it is a skill and craft which needs nurturing once again. It needs to be placed as a priority as it is the one safeguard when all goes pear-shaped. A business without trust, just as a person without trust, will always face harder journeys to recovery.