In this episode, Jason shares why he started this podcast and why he feels this work is more important than ever. He shares how he discovered that he’d become closed off to connection in some important ways and the steps he’s taken to “re-open” himself to it. He also shares a relationship lesson from his childhood–if you want better relationships you need to be willing to invest in them and be willing to make the first move. Then, he shares some practical tips for how you can apply these lessons to build better relationships at work.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 The necessity of being open to connection: It all starts with your willingness to engage and show curiosity about those around you.

👉 Recognizing the impact of relationships on workplace dynamics: Almost every workplace issue can be traced back to a relationship issue, making it crucial to nurture these connections.

👉 The role of work in societal healing: By teaching better relationship skills at work, we can elevate well-being, productivity, innovation, and overall satisfaction.

👉 Investing in relationships intentionally: Reach out to colleagues, suggest regular check-ins, and create meaningful moments over coffee or lunch.

👉 Implementing tools to foster connection: Use a "question of the day" in meetings to spark dialogue and understanding among team members.

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

"You think it's about love. It's love and your ability to navigate change, because that picture on the wedding cake, right? You're going to have job issues, kids, health issues, death, hopefully death in the proper order. How do you stay aligned?"

- Russell Robinson

***

In this episode, we have some real talk about what it takes to have a good marriage and what we can learn from that about all relationships with guest, Russell Robinson. You’ll hear the phrase, “how you treat anybody is how you treat everybody” and discover what that means in terms of how we show up with other people. Finally, we talk about what it looks like to normalize healthy disagreement at work as a means to build connection within a team.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 The significance of being intentional and precious about your time to maintain authentic and respectful relationships.

👉 The parallel between coaching youth sports and workplace leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, confidence, and availability.

👉 The transformative power of honesty and curiosity in building deeper relationships at work and beyond.

👉 Valuable strategies for leaders to normalize disagreement and welcome critique to enhance team dynamics.

👉 Practical tips for using probing questions, such as "What are you most proud of and why?" to understand colleagues' backgrounds and perspectives.

***

Dr. Russell Robinson is a Program Director and Professorial Lecturer within American University’s School of Public Administration (SPA). In these roles, he is the Director of the newly created Key Undergraduate Leadership Certificate Program. Russell teaches graduate- and certificate-level leadership and public administration within SPA and the Key Executive Leadership Program. Prior to joining American University, Russell spent over twenty years as a civil servant within the US Federal Government developing and delivering training solutions focusing on leadership and improving the workforce experience. In addition,

Russell is the Founder of Amplified Research and Consulting, LLC (Amplified Research), which focuses on research, analysis and consulting solutions regarding employee engagement, voice and silence, and talent management. Russell does organizational assessments, focus groups and culture-building coaching services.

Connect with Russell:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-robinson-edd-4428b157/

Website: https://www.amplifiedresearch.com/

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

"It's okay to set a boundary to protect your own serenity if you need to, and you're valuable enough and you're worth it enough." - Lindsey Rai Kortan

***

In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between trust, boundaries, and self-worth. Guest Lindsey Rai Kortan shares her journey of discovering that boundaries are really about protecting your serenity and honoring your own value and worth. She also shares stories of how trust is built and tested in relationships over time and the value of honoring your intuition.

👉 The importance of setting boundaries to protect oneself, not just in personal relationships but also in the workplace.

👉 Valuable advice for leaders on modeling vulnerability and how it can encourage employees to come forward with their own challenges, fostering a culture of trust and openness.

👉 Why you should trust your instincts in professional contexts.

👉 The transformational power of supportive relationships.

👉 Building trust through consistency and honesty. Consistency fosters dependability and integrity, which are essential for strong, successful professional bonds.

***

Lindsey Rai Kortan is the Chief Executive Officer for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha. She is responsible for executing the strategic vision for the organization as it aligns with the mission. Lindsey Rai originally began working for the Ronald McDonald House as the Director of Development in 2012 and was appointed CEO nine months later. She brings with her a diverse professional background inclusive of academic administration, non-profit management, and environmental compliance.

Connect with Lindsey Rai:

Website: https://rmhcomaha.org/

Instagram: @LindseyRai

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor: Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

Relationships can’t be rushed. It takes time, commitment, and patience to cultivate great relationships at work and beyond. In this episode, Jason and guest, Dawn Burke, explore what it means to prioritize your relationships with others. Dawn also shares a great story of how taking in a feral cat taught her that sometimes you just have to be patient and keep showing up if you want to build a strong relationship.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 The importance of patience in building relationships, allowing connect to develop naturally without forcing it.

👉 How prioritizing showing up for people consistently demonstrates commitment and builds trust over time.

👉 The necessity of setting clear boundaries to manage both personal and work relationships effectively.

👉 Ways to sidestep the pitfalls of seeking validation from others, which can undermine the establishment of healthy boundaries.

👉 Why investing in one-on-one time with employees is crucial, despite the challenge it poses in managing competing demands.

***

Dawn Burke is the Founder of Dawn Burke HR, a consulting firm specializing in strategic people practices, executive coaching, and leadership development. Utilizing 20 years of corporate executive People Team, master facilitation, and national speaking experience, Dawn shares her talent expertise to help organizations elevate their People strategies, processes, and team capabilities. As a specialist in HR strategies necessary to attract and retain modern employees, she also helps develop leaders of all levels, from "enforcers" to employee engagers.

Connect with Dawn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnhburke

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

“Lead with curiosity sounds like 'Help me understand if I'm observing it correctly or if there's something that I missed.'" - Bob Norman

***

A key to maintaining positive, healthy relationships is addressing frustrations and issues early and openly. In this episode, Jason and his guest, Bob Norman, delve into the intricacies of positive intent and honesty in relationships both at work and home. They explore why being honest with one another is so powerful and share an example of what it sounds like at work. There’s even a bit of talk about the challenges of forming close male friendships.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 The vital importance of addressing frustrations early in relationships to prevent resentment and ensure meaningful connections.

👉 Why deep, honest conversations are vital for both personal satisfaction and productive professional environments.

👉 The challenges men face in forming deeper relationships and how intentionality and honesty can overcome these barriers.

👉 How coaching employees to address conflicts themselves rather than solving issues for them fosters a more engaging and productive work environment.

***

Bob Norman is the Human Resources Director at EUA, an architecture and engineering firm with offices across the US.

Bob has a passion for helping others to succeed and finding the right fit at EUA. He is certified as a PHR (Professional of Human Resources) and also holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of WI -Madison and a Master of Architecture from the University of WI - Milwaukee.

Bob thinks of his role as being a connector – connecting people’s goals with opportunities, connecting individuals with other colleagues who can help, and connecting potential new employees with a company he strongly believes in.

Connect with Bob:

Web: www.eua.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normanbob/

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

We’ve all heard that psychological safety is important, but you may not know why or how to create it with others.

In this episode, Jason is joined by John Baldino, who shares practical insights into psychological safety from both his personal relationships and his extensive experience in human resources consulting. In particular, we explore the impact of how you handle mistakes and failure on building long-term relationships.

Key lessons highlighted in our conversation include:

👉 The crucial role of psychological safety in relationships—how showing commitment when mistakes happen strengthens trust and loyalty among team members.

👉 Practical strategies for avoiding resentment and maintaining a healthy work atmosphere.

👉 The significance of investing time in work relationships, beyond superficial engagements like annual surveys, to build genuine connections that enhance organizational culture.

👉 The transformative effect of recognizing and nurturing potential in employees through supportive and affirming leadership practices.

***

John Baldino is the President of Humanreso, a global HR consultancy. With 30 years of human resources experience, John’s passion for setting contributors and companies up for success is still going strong. John is a keynote for US and International Conferences where he shares content and thoughts on leadership, collaboration and innovation, employee success, organizational design and development as well as inclusion and diversity.

John has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, SHRM Publications and is a regular contributor to the Humareso Blog. He is co-host of the wildly popular LinkedIn Live webcast, “But First Coffee.” John is also the husband of 1 awesome wife and the dad of 3 amazing young adults.

Connect with John:

Web: www.humareso.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbaldinohr/

X: @jbalive

Threads:@jbalive

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

"I think we just have to know how to respect each other and be in relationship with each other and value each other with reciprocal amounts of care, meaning one's not better than the other. We both have gifts to offer." - Jamie Griffin

***

How do you know when a relationship has run it’s course? Jason digs into this question and more with his guest, Jamie Griffin. You’ll not only learn when it’s time to move on from a relationship (work or personal), but also explore the importance of safety and extending grace to others if you want to foster strong, healthy connections.

What we explore in this episode:

- The significance of shared journeys in relationships, where mutual growth strengthens bonds, and divergent paths signal a need for change.

- The importance of employers acknowledging and supporting their employees' personal struggles to create a healthier work relationship and experience.

- Recognizing that the worth of relationships is not measured by their longevity but by the depth of experiences shared and lessons learned.

- Embracing the concept of outgrowing relationships and understanding the mutual benefit of releasing what no longer serves our growth.

***

Jamie Griffin is the Founder of Consult to Grow®, a boutique restaurant growth strategy firm that guides founders, owners, and investors in growing and scaling operations, increasing sales and profits and building the teams necessary to achieve their goals. Through Consult to Grow®, Jamie helps other restaurants and chains with great concepts and aspirations of growth to clarify their visions, develop their strategies, build the right teams and monitor their progress to get to the next level. You can read his full bio here.

Learn more about Consult to Grow:

→ Schedule time with Jamie: https://www.consulttogrow.com/get-started/

→ Shop for digital tools (Use code BETTER10 to save 10%): https://www.consulttogrow.com/digital-tools/

Connect with Jamie:

Web: www.consultogrow.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiejgriffin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consult2grow

Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiejgriffin/

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com

“Building those relationships will sometimes smooth over things like that, where it allows you the space to send a more direct email or communication.” - Amber Rios Flores

***

In this episode, a conversation with Amber Rios Flores highlights the importance of authenticity and prioritizing relationship building to achieve success at work. We also explore what it means to “embrace the suck” when things get messy and hard in relationships as that is where long-term trust and commitment can be built.

👉 Bring authenticity to your relationships; it's essential for true connection and trust.

👉 Give yourself and others grace, recognizing that everyone is juggling their own challenges.

👉 "Embrace the suck" – acknowledge the rough patches as opportunities for strengthening bonds, but don't dwell in negativity.

👉 Build genuine relationships first; they are the foundation that makes achieving work goals smoother and more effective.

👉 Leverage differences within work relations to enhance partnership effectiveness and personal growth.

***

Amber Rios Flores is a dedicated professional with a relentless pursuit of excellence who refuses to settle for mediocrity in her career or personal life. Passionate about teaching, facilitating, and fostering meaningful connections, she strives to make a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. As a seasoned trainer, presenter, and advocate for personal branding, Amber empowers individuals and companies to maximize their potential. With a background in Adult Education & Training and ongoing studies in Educational Technology, she blends expertise with a love for learning, all while unwinding with a good video game session during my downtime.

Connect with Amber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberriosflores/

***

Get access to the Relationship Reflection Exercise here: https://forms.gle/tSt34KguHL6iFHGH6

***

Episode sponsor:

Inspiring Workplaces

Join the free global community at https://www.inspiring-workplaces.com/

***

Jason Lauritsen is a dynamic keynote speaker and true thought leader in the world of work and employee engagement. He is dedicated to revolutionizing the way we Lead With Relationship™. He fearlessly challenges traditional norms to reshape the employee experience by consistently placing authentic human connection at the heart of leadership. Jason is the author of two books, Unlocking High Performance and Social Gravity.

***

Download the 18 Great Questions for Check-In Conversations cheat sheet here: https://www.checkintothrive.com/18-great-questions

If you'd like more content like this delivered straight to your email box, sign up for my email list here: https://jasonlauritsen.ck.page/950d3cff1f

***

Follow and connect with me:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlauritsen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasonlauritsen

www.JasonLauritsen.com