Building Better Relationships

Dear Uncommon Leaders, 

The new year is in full swing. Hope you're off to a great 2026. Continue to be uncommon in all you do!

This Week's Question:

Who will you invest in to build better relationships in 2026?

This Week's Challenge: 

Years ago, my uncle—an entrepreneur I respected deeply—said something that stuck with me:

“Kevin, I don’t care how long you do business—you never ‘arrive.’ You never arrive with your team. You never arrive with your process. It’s a life-long journey.”

He was right. Especially when it comes to people.

Leadership is relational. It’s built, not just on strategy or execution, but on intentional investment in others. And I’ve found I’m at my best when I’m focusing on helping someone grow.

But if I’m honest, I can get so busy that I forget to personally invest in individuals on my team. I move through tasks instead of stopping to build trust, offer mentorship, or walk alongside someone’s development journey.

Your challenge this week:

Identify one person you can intentionally invest in. If no one comes to mind immediately, that’s your starting point. Ask yourself:

“Who can I help right now?”

5 Simple Ways to Start Investing in Someone:

• Schedule a 1:1 conversation over coffee just to listen.
• Ask about their goals for 2026—personal or professional.
• Offer coaching, encouragement, or feedback in a specific area.
• Invite them into a project or decision they normally wouldn’t be part of.
• Check in weekly to show consistency and care.

The very best leaders make time for their people.

Let’s build better leaders by being better leaders.

Let’s go be Uncommon.

This Week's Quote to Ponder:

"The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership." - Harvey S. Firestone

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Until next week,

LET'S GO BE UNCOMMON!

W. Kevin Harrison

Founder and Executive Coach

Uncommon Influence