How to make the most of external relationships as a leader

As we head into the final months of the year, calendars can start to fill up with celebratory drinks, dinners, and coffee catch ups. More than just items on the schedule, these social occasions can be great opportunities to connect – with your team, others in your organisation, and even externally. 

In fact, external professional relationships – separate from your team and the wider organisation – are an essential part of your network as a leader, all year ‘round. 

External professional relationships strengthen leadership 

The people you know outside of your current work have often come into your life for many reasons. Perhaps you worked with them in the early days of your career, perhaps you met them at a networking event, or maybe you’ve connected with them online – however they’ve come into your sphere, they have one thing in common: your professional relationship is built on mutual trust and respect, not mere proximity. 

Positioned outside of your team, these contacts can be a great sounding board to bounce ideas off, to discuss scenarios, ask for advice, brainstorm ideas, share wins, and commiserate when things don’t go to plan. 

Being external allows these contacts to give you a new perspective, perhaps one you haven’t considered before. Instead of being in the weeds, they can see things with a new sense of clarity that can be critical for leaders in the thick of it. 

Making the most of catch ups as a leader 

Not every Christmas celebration or quarterly drinks needs to have a purpose beyond connecting with one another and maintaining the friendship; after all, if any relationship becomes solely about what can be offered and/or taken, trust and respect can erode. 

However, it’s always worth considering what you can learn from even the most casual of interactions: 

• What are you celebrating? How was it achieved? What can you learn? 
• Were there any tricky leadership moments recently? How can you share what you’ve learnt from your own experience and learn from others? 
• Can you incorporate any learnings into your way of thinking as a leader? 
• Were there any new ideas shared that you haven’t considered before? How can your team benefit? 

Plus, thinking ahead of these occasions can offer an opportunity to tap into the wisdom and learnings of other leaders. Ask yourself: 

• Are there any gaps in your expertise? Can any of your external leadership connections help you to fill those gaps? 
• Is there anything you would like to achieve in the new year that they might be able to shed some light on, or simply provide support throughout? 
• How can you share your own expertise with those you are connected with? 

Every relationship – whether internal or external, personal or professional – is a two-way street, a give and take built on mutual respect, trust, and confidence. 

I hope that you and your team have a fantastic end of year, and that you and your family have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year. I look forward to catching up with you in 2026. 
Want to connect with other leaders outside of your organisation and learn from them?People Make the Difference can help. To find out more, visit www.pmtd.com.au or call us on 0412 333 415.