Great leaders don’t just manage people—they build relationships.
Think of leadership like a bank account. Every interaction you have with your team is either a deposit or a withdrawal. When you encourage, listen, and invest in your people, you’re making deposits. When you criticize, correct, or challenge them, you’re making withdrawals.
Withdrawals aren’t bad—they’re necessary. But if you haven’t made enough deposits first, your account balance will be empty. And when that happens, trust declines, motivation fades, and your influence weakens.
The good news? Making relational deposits is simple—and one of the most powerful ways to do it is by asking thoughtful questions.
Why Leaders Need to Make Relational Deposits
You can’t expect your team to follow you just because you have a title. People follow leaders they know, like, and trust. That trust isn’t built overnight; it comes from consistent, intentional investment in your team.
Here’s why relational deposits matter:
They create loyalty – When people feel valued, they’ll go the extra mile for you.
They build trust – Your team needs to know you’re in their corner, not just pushing for results.
They improve communication – The more relational deposits you make, the more open your team will be with you.
They increase engagement – Employees who feel connected to their leader are more motivated and committed.
They strengthen culture – A culture of trust and respect starts at the top.
The bottom line? If you don’t invest in relationships, you’ll struggle to lead effectively.
The Power of Questions
One of the easiest ways to make relational deposits is by asking great questions. When you take time to ask—and really listen—you’re telling your team, “I see you, I value you, and I care about what you think.” That’s powerful.
But not all questions are created equal. If you only ask about deadlines and deliverables, you’re missing an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. That's why we created the Leader's Conversation Guide.
A Challenge for Leaders
If you have not already, commit to setting aside time for weekly one-on-ones with your team. These meetings are a great time to build your relationship with each team member, give feedback, and provide support. Our Leader's Conversation Guide will help you get started asking the right questions so you can elevate your leadership influence.
Creating a leadership legacy isn't just about hitting sales goals or streamlining processes. Your legacy will be determined by the impact you made on the people under your care. If you help those people win first, the business results will follow.
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