490. Creating Stronger Workplace Relationships Through the Ally Mindset, with Morag Barrett

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Morag Barrett, leadership expert, executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work and How to Show Up as One. Morag shares why meaningful workplace relationships are no longer a “nice to have” but a critical leadership skill in today’s rapidly changing world. We explore how leaders can strengthen human connection, build trust, and create workplaces where people feel supported, challenged, and empowered to do their best work. From navigating uncertainty to embracing vulnerability and accountability, Morag offers practical strategies that apply not only to leadership but to every relationship we build throughout our lives.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Why the human side of leadership often determines long-term organizational success 
• How uncertainty, rapid change, and remote work have reshaped workplace relationships 
• What it means to adopt an ally mindset and why everyone needs a friend at work 
• How the five Ally Mindset practices strengthen trust, collaboration, and accountability 
• Why meaningful conversations begin by checking in on people before focusing on the work 
• How leaders can create environments where candor, healthy debate, and new ideas flourish 
• Practical ways to strengthen relationships through small, intentional actions every day 

Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever

Throughout her career, Morag Barrett has observed that successful organizations aren’t defined solely by strategy, systems, or technology. Instead, their greatest advantage comes from how people relate to one another. While technical expertise remains essential, lasting success depends on trust, communication, and the quality of workplace relationships. 

As organizations continue navigating constant change, hybrid work, artificial intelligence, and ongoing uncertainty, many employees are feeling increasingly disconnected. Morag explains that while conversations around leadership and emotional intelligence have grown, the challenge remains helping leaders invest the time required to strengthen relationships. Rather than treating connection as a soft skill, she encourages leaders to recognize it as a business imperative that directly influences engagement, collaboration, and performance. 

Becoming an Ally at Work

Morag shares the inspiration behind her book, You, Me, We, which reframes Gallup’s familiar question, “Do I have a best friend at work?” into a more powerful leadership challenge: “Am I a friend at work?” This shift encourages individuals to focus less on what they receive from others and more on how they intentionally support those around them. 

The conversation explores the five practices of the Ally Mindset: abundance and generosity, connection and compassion, courage and vulnerability, candor and debate, and action and accountability. Together, these practices create a framework for building healthier relationships, encouraging honest conversations, and fostering workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Rather than relying on grand gestures, Morag demonstrates how consistent everyday behaviors create lasting trust across teams and organizations. 

Small Actions That Create Lasting Impact

One of the most practical takeaways from this conversation is Morag’s reminder that meaningful relationships are built through small, intentional moments. Whether asking a teammate, “What’s your number today?” to better understand how they’re showing up, expressing appreciation to someone who has positively influenced your career, or simply making time to truly listen, these simple actions create powerful ripple effects. 

Morag also challenges leaders to reflect on how they are remembered by those they work alongside. The question isn’t simply whether you have supportive colleagues, but whether others would eagerly choose to work with you again. By focusing on intentional connection, personal accountability, and genuine care for others, leaders can strengthen their teams while creating cultures where both people and organizations thrive. 

Resources:

• Website: SkyeTeam.com
• Ally Mindset Self-Assessment: SkyeTeam.cloud/youmewe
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moragbarrett/