Relationships in Business Must Produce Innovation and Results, or they should be taken out of the business setting.

Relationships in business can be an incredible asset or a dangerous threat to a business's success. The outcome is determined by how much value to the company the relationship provides. Professionals, especially at the top of an organization, often rely on their relationships to bring in other individuals to help them run their business. This is not surprising as relationships bare a certain level of trust, understanding, and familiarity that make working together more manageable, especially in the hectic world we operate in today. This has the potential to allow coworkers to accelerate faster and drive more value for each other and the organization as a whole. 

However, relationships can quickly move from being a strength to being a hindrance if a relationship sours or changes negatively due to some event. Not holding each other accountable to the highest standards can also cause a relationship to impact the business negatively. 

For example, if that person is the head of marketing or sales, but that person fails to keep up with changing market direction and capabilities, the business overall may begin to lose revenue. Suppose that person is responsible for managing technology, but they are not keeping up with the most modern and advanced technology. In that case, the business may begin losing customers to competitors who do. What if that person fails to maintain the most current cybersecurity stance necessary to protect the company and its customers. Relationships that focus on maintaining the status quo will fail in business. The world changes too quickly not to be constantly moving and adapting. 

How does a relationship remain a benefit? Consistently hold each other accountable to deliver the best results and capabilities for the areas each person is responsible for. The power of relationships can be a force multiplier when they drive each other towards accountability and excellence. If the relationship no longer provides that, then both parties must have the understanding to either separate the connection from the business (aka someone exists) or significantly change how each other works together to produce the results necessary to drive success.

In the end, people must make sure when going into business or working together with someone you know, they both come in carrying the same high degree of commitment to success. This is especially true of those in leadership positions. One way to accomplish this is to be sure your business runs with a solid focus on utilizing data across all areas to see and understand how the company is performing and use that data to guide your decision-making and accountability.