Watching an internationally famous football manager and his Number 2 week after week – let’s call them LVG and RG for complete anonymity – I’m intrigued by the body language they give out when sitting next to each other on the bench.

 

In truth there’s not much going on at all . . . they don’t appear to talk, or even to look at each other that much.  And of late, there’s certainly been little to smile about, so there’s been a paucity of back-slapping, Cheshire-cat grinning, or bonhomie.

 

I’ve noticed it not just because I watch them regularly on the tv, but also because the relationship that they’re playing out on the screen strikes me as missing something.  Not that they have to play up for the camera, or be something that they aren’t, but I just don’t get the impression that all is well in their world.

 

And it reminds me of how important it is, as leaders, to be able to build rapport with key stakeholders, with the people you work with who are essential to your success and to the shared objectives you’re trying to achieve . . . and also for others to be able to observe that relationship.  It may have something to do with first impressions giving confidence in another’s skill, decision-making or simple ability to take charge of a difficult or previously worrying situation.

 

Whatever it is, when it’s absent, it’s noticeably absent . . . and if leaders don’t think others can’t see this, then they’re wrong.

 

I’m reminded, yet again, of Steve Radcliffe’s most excellent question in his Future-Engage-Deliver approach to leadership: is your relationship big enough, and strong enough to get the job done?