There’s something about a small town coffee shop that draws me in every time. Perhaps it’s the cozy decor or the promise of perfectly crafted pour-overs, but I just can’t resist stopping in.

As I walked into a small coffee shop in Livingston, Montana, I was immediately struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, but what really caught my attention how everyone greeted each other by name. It was clear that this was a community where everyone knew each other, and everyone felt at home.
The coffee shop was attached to the local theater, but the real star of the show was a scruffy old dog roaming freely from table to table, collecting scratches anyone that would give them.

His name was Mojo, and he was a coffee shop regular. As I watched him work the room, I realized that everyone in the coffee shop seemed to know him and his story.

As leaders, we often talk about the importance of building strong relationships with our team members, stakeholders and customers.

But what does that really mean? How can we create a sense of community and connection with the people we work with, especially in large organizations where it’s easy to feel like just a number?

In small towns, everyone knows each other’s stories.

They know each other’s struggles and triumphs.

They look out for each other.

And they build deep connections that go beyond the surface-level.

So, how can we apply this small town approach to our leadership?

💛 Take the time to know people’s stories. Just like the people in Livingston knew Mojo’s story, we should take the time to understand the stories, interests and motivations of our team members. What drives them? What are their passions? What are their challenges?
💛 Foster a sense of community. Create opportunities for team members to connect with each other, share experiences and build deeper relationships.
💛 Lead with empathy and understanding. Recognize that everyone has their own struggles and challenges, and lead with empathy and understanding. Be approachable, be listening, and be willing to offer support when needed.
💛 Be present and engaged. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and focus on the person in front of you.

📌 What’s the best advice you’ve ever received on building relationships?