Strong Teams Start With Strong Relationships

One of the most overlooked aspects of leadership today is the importance of building strong, genuine relationships in the workplace. I’ve spent over three decades leading people—from patrol teams to police departments—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: when you invest in your people, they’ll give you their best. And that investment starts with relationships.

Relationships are the foundation of trust. When your team knows that you care about them beyond the badge or the job title—when they believe you have their back—they’ll start showing up not just for the work, but for you and for each other. That kind of loyalty can’t be bought, and it certainly can’t be demanded. It has to be built.

Shared Goals, Shared Expectations

A strong relationship doesn’t mean you’re always going to agree—but it does mean you’re committed to the same mission. When you take the time to create shared goals and clear expectations, you eliminate confusion and frustration. Your team knows where you're headed, and more importantly, they know what role they play in getting there.

When people feel aligned with the vision and see how they contribute to the success of the organization, they find purpose in their work. That’s when performance starts to elevate. Not because someone’s watching—but because they want to give their best.

How to Build Stronger Relationships as a Leader

Here are a few practical ways I’ve built trust and strengthened relationships with my teams over the years:

1. Be present.
You can’t lead from behind a desk. Walk the halls. Check in. Sit down and talk with your people—not just about work, but about life. Know their kids’ names. Ask how they’re really doing. That face-to-face time matters more than you think.

2. Create a feedback culture.
Ask for input—and actually listen to it. Let your team help shape the environment they’re working in. When people feel heard, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they’re more likely to stay committed.

3. Set clear expectations.
There’s no greater motivator than knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how success will be measured. It eliminates the guesswork and empowers your people to take ownership.

4. Celebrate progress, not just results.
Sometimes we get so focused on the finish line that we forget to recognize the effort it takes to get there. Celebrate the small wins. A word of encouragement goes a long way.

5. Be consistent and authentic.
Your people can spot a fake leader from a mile away. If you say you care, show it through your actions. If you promise to support them, follow through. Consistency builds credibility—and credibility builds trust.

Relationships Build Culture

Culture isn’t built with policies or posters. It’s built in conversations. It’s built through connection. A workplace with strong relationships is one where people want to come to work. They feel safe, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

At the end of the day, your greatest asset isn’t your budget, your strategy, or your systems. It’s your people. And if you want to get the best out of your people, you’ve got to start by building relationships that bring out their best.

- Dean Crisp