Building Authentic Business Relationships: Insights from Brad Englert on "Free to Lead"

In a recent episode of the podcast "Free to Lead," host [Host's Name] welcomed Brad Englert, an accomplished author, leader, and founder of Brad Englert Advisory. Brad shared his journey and insights on building authentic business relationships, drawing from his extensive experience in IT strategy within higher education and his book, "Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships." This blog post delves into the key themes and actionable advice from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike.

Brad's Background and Career Journey

Brad Englert's professional journey began at Arthur Andersen, which evolved into Andersen Consulting and eventually became Accenture. His focus was on leveraging technology in government and higher education, working with prestigious institutions like Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Columbia, Illinois, and Michigan. After retiring from Accenture, Brad joined the University of Texas at Austin as a pro bono IT strategist, eventually serving as the Chief Information Officer for seven years.

Key Takeaways:

Career Evolution**: Brad's career trajectory highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Higher Education Focus**: His work in higher education underscores the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector.

Challenges Faced in Higher Education

One of the most significant challenges Brad encountered was during the H1N1 swine flu outbreak in 2009. The university's outdated technology was inadequate for transitioning to online learning. Brad's honesty and transparency with leadership about the limitations of their systems were crucial in addressing the issue.

Key Takeaways:

Honesty and Transparency**: Being candid about challenges can build trust and pave the way for effective solutions.

Proactive Upgrades**: Brad's team worked diligently to migrate systems to the cloud, ensuring a smooth transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership and Relationship Building

Brad emphasizes the importance of leadership and relationship-building in navigating organizational challenges. He recalls advice from a long-serving faculty member: "get out of the office and tell people you give a damn." This advice shaped his approach to leadership, prompting him to actively engage with peers and staff across the university.

Key Takeaways:

Active Engagement**: Building relationships requires being present and approachable.

Regular Communication**: Regular meetings and feedback sessions foster collaboration and trust.

Crisis Preparedness**: Establishing strong relationships with key departments, like public safety, ensures effective crisis management.

Advice for Business Leaders

Brad offers practical advice for business owners and leaders on fostering collaboration and breaking down silos within organizations. He suggests meeting with direct reports individually to set clear expectations for teamwork and communication.

Key Takeaways:

Individual Meetings**: One-on-one meetings help set clear expectations and foster open communication.

Understanding Priorities**: Encouraging employees to understand each other's priorities creates a cohesive work environment.

Proactive Communication**: Regularly reaching out to customers and understanding their goals can significantly impact business success.

Real-Time Feedback**: Providing constructive feedback in real-time, rather than waiting for annual reviews, helps manage expectations and improve performance.

Current Endeavors and Mentorship

Now retired from the university, Brad focuses on promoting his book and mentoring individuals in their careers. He is particularly passionate about helping young professionals navigate the complexities of the workforce.

Key Takeaways:

Mentorship**: Brad mentors several individuals, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships.

Workshops**: His workshops for sales teams highlight the necessity of understanding customers on a personal level to foster loyalty and trust.

Target Audience for the Book

Brad's book, "Spheres of Influence," is aimed at early-career professionals and middle management. He notes that many principles of relationship-building are not taught in business schools, making his book a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.

Key Takeaways:

Early-Career Focus**: The book provides practical advice for those starting their careers or in middle management.

Interpersonal Skills**: Emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships as a pathway to career success.

Conclusion

In closing, Brad emphasizes that building authentic relationships is not only essential for career success but also makes work more enjoyable. He invites listeners to connect with him through LinkedIn and his website, where they can access resources related to his book and schedule consultations.

Final Thoughts:

Authenticity**: Genuine connections in business lead to success and a more fulfilling work experience.

Continuous Learning**: Engaging with resources like Brad's book can enhance your relationship-building skills and career trajectory.

This episode of "Free to Lead" offers valuable insights into the importance of leadership, relationship-building, and proactive communication in achieving success in any organization. Brad Englert's experiences and advice serve as a guide for individuals looking to navigate their careers with purpose and authenticity.

By breaking down Brad Englert's insights into actionable advice, this blog post aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of how to build authentic business relationships. Whether you're an early-career professional or a seasoned leader, these principles can help you foster meaningful connections and achieve success in your career.