I wanted to reflect back on a great lesson learned from a situation that happened to me a few years ago. I had realized I was a little disconnected from an internal stakeholder. I decided to insure that I get back in touch and tighten up the relationship. I noticed over the previous month a slight change in our relationship that I was beginning to be uneasy with. It was the little things:

• Less eye contact when I am conveying ideas in meetings
• Short responses to emails
• Objections to ideas that usually would not get objections
• Little to no small talk before meetings

Shame on me that I could make a list that long of negative characteristics about this relationship with this individual that I strive so hard to keep happy. So here is what I did:

1. I spent 1 hour a day for 3 days researching each item of concern that has brought to my attention recently by this contact
2. On 2 emails I picked up the phone to reply to him in person in stead of responding via email
3. A simple report was requested and I decided to go overboard on supplying multiple views of the data to help him summarize the data easier than ever before.
4. He asked me to set up a meeting to go over our releases for the next quarter. I responded with a lunch invite and told him it was my treat.

I feel better about the entire relationship at this point and I know my stakeholder does too.  A few hours investment and it felt like we were old pals again. I now have a weekly reminder in my calendar to insure I invest a little extra time to keep this relationships strong. Once this is on cruise control, I will begin the cycle over to wow the next key business contact I work with.

I am amazed how just a little extra attention at the right times can completely change your relationships at work. I’d love to hear your success stories on how you turned around an internal  business relationship.