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For this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Brad Englert, author of the insightful book Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships. Brad shares his wisdom on the crucial elements of building meaningful relationships in the business world, drawing from his extensive experience in information technology and advisory roles.
Brad's career spans over 22 years at Accenture, where he excelled in various leadership roles, and eight years as the Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas at Austin. His journey has been marked by a dedication to mentoring and developing authentic relationships, which he emphasizes as fundamental to professional success.
Key Strategies for Authentic Relationships
Brad identifies three core approaches to fostering authentic business relationships:
1. Understanding Goals and Aspirations: Taking the time to learn about the goals and aspirations of colleagues and clients fosters mutual respect and trust. This understanding is the foundation of any strong relationship.
2. Setting and Managing Expectations: Clear communication about expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and builds a reliable partnership. Brad highlights the importance of transparency in all interactions.
3. Genuinely Caring About Success: Showing genuine concern for the success of others creates a supportive environment where everyone thrives. This approach nurtures loyalty and long-term collaboration.
Managing Relationships as Emerging Leaders
For emerging leaders, managing relationships with direct reports and executive leaders is crucial. Brad advises new leaders to engage in open dialogue, set clear goals, and maintain regular check-ins to ensure alignment and support. By modeling desired behaviors and fostering a culture of open communication, leaders can create a positive and productive work environment.
The Power of External Spheres of Influence
Brad also emphasizes the importance of external relationships with customers and strategic vendor partners. Building strong partnerships with key vendors, as exemplified by his collaboration with the learning management system vendor Canvas, can lead to significant mutual benefits. These relationships require ongoing communication and a shared vision for success.
Fostering Cultural Alignment
Creating a culture that aligns with the organization's values and goals is essential for achieving common objectives. Brad's experience at the University of Texas illustrates how intentional efforts to understand and meet the needs of different departments can drive successful large-scale projects.
Conclusion
Brad Englert's insights in "Spheres of Influence" provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their professional relationships. By focusing on understanding, communication, and genuine care, individuals and organizations can build lasting, impactful connections. For more on Brad Englert and his work, visit his website at bradenglert.com.
➥ bradenglert.com/
Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ gregvoisen.com
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