Back to all posts
December 11, 2024

Relationships Matter

3 min read

In any job, results matter — in fact, if you don’t deliver results, you will not get very far. But they’re only part of the story.

I recently spoke with Emmanuelle Skala, formerly of Toast, Digital Ocean, and more, on my podcast Critical Moments. She shared a pivotal moment from her career when she did ’t get a promotion because she “was not very well-liked.” It was shocking feedback, especially for someone who’s truly one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve met. It turned out to be the wake-up call she needed.

Emmanuelle had always prioritized results. She believed her job was to grow the business—not to make friends. But what she learned is that relationships aren’t just a “nice-to-have” in leadership—they’re essential, no matter how great the results are.

She continued her rocketship journey and has had one of the most impressive careers of anyone I’ve met, so we should pay close attention to the lessons she shared:

1. Relationships Matter

Lots of people say this, but until you learn it the hard way, it’s hard to appreciate just how much they matter. Emmanuelle realized that while she was delivering exceptional results, her “my way or the highway” approach could alienate some peers. Taking time to understand colleagues’ perspectives doesn’t just smooth interactions—it improves outcomes.

2. Authenticity Builds Trust

A lot of people try to keep their personal lives separate from their work lives. Some people can’t help but share everything (👋, it’s me!). But it’s not about going out for drinks or silly “get to know you exercises,” it’s really about sharing and being your authentic self. When you really allow people to know you, your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and who you really are — in Emmanuelle’s case a working mom trying to balance her family life with an unparalled professional drive — you create stronger bonds and deliver better results.

3. Feedback Is a Gift

A CEO’s job is to build a company that delivers the desired results and outcomes. When your team is ’t performing, I always ask the CEO if the team has clarity on roles, strategy, and performance. I encourage direct, clear RealTalk. High performers crave feedback — especially when it is constructive, but it has to come from a place of care. It was this radical candor that propelled Emmanuelle’s growth. Instead of resenting it, she sought coaching and introspection, and it helped transform her leadership approach.

The takeaway? Great leaders balance results with relationships. If you’re not actively building trust and understanding, you’re missing a key ingredient for success.

Emmanuelle’s story is a reminder that leadership is as much about the “how” as it is about the “what.”

👉 Want to hear more? Listen to the episode here.

FAQ

Q: What is the most common mistake CEOs make?

A: Confusing activity with progress. The best CEOs focus relentlessly on the few things that actually move the needle, not on being busy.

Q: How can executive coaching help startup founders?

A: A coach provides an outside perspective, helps you see blind spots, and creates accountability for the changes you know you need to make but keep putting off.

Q: What separates good CEOs from great ones?

A: Great CEOs create clarity, build trust, and make decisions with speed and conviction. They respond rather than react, and they invest in their own growth as leaders.