TRUTH #1: Leadership is a relationship.  It is a relationship between those who aspire to lead and those who choose to follow.  This is the observation of James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their landmark book, The Leadership Challenge (third edition).

TRUTH #2: Relationships require conversations.  All relationships work through dialogue.  Professional relationships require professional conversations.  It is more than chatting at work or about work.  It is a specific kind of conversation, a dialogue in which we:

• Collaborate, own and implement the strategy of the business,
• Share decisions, resolve conflicts, and mature as professionals,
• Solve problems, improve processes and hold each other accountable,
• Share vision, overcome challenges and deal with change.

As breathing is essential for the human body, conversation is essential for relationships.  To maintain a vital and productive professional relationship, intentionally engage in professional conversations.
 
Conversations at Work
There are several types of conversations that take place at work.  Each has its purpose:

Polite conversations:  It is important to greet each other in the morning, check-in, and speak to one another with mutual respect.  It is a matter of being polite.  Peter Drucker observes that politeness is the oil that keeps the machinery of business running smooth.

Personal conversations:  Work relationships are more than work.  It is natural and healthy to discuss family, weekend activities, politics, religion, sports, health concerns, etc.  These personal conversations create a bond of loyalty that strengthens mutual trust.

Technical conversations:  This type of conversation actually involves work. 
It is an exchange of information on how to and why to! 
It is goal telling and giving instructions. 
It is clarifying job descriptions and providing solutions. 
It is correcting errors and imparting decisions. 
It is the most common form of business communication, especially form the top down.  It is an important and needed form of business communication.  Indeed, it is the type of conversation that is essential for working IN the business.
However there is another type of conversation.  It is a conversation for working ON the business by working ON the professional relationships that make up the business team.  This is the professional conversation. 
 
Professional Conversations
As the leader, you need to initiate and engage in Professional Conversations.  It is more than a “head to head” exchange.  It also requires a “heart to heart” dialogue.  It is a professional conversation in which:
 
• partners determine strategy together
• a professional team discusses the application of business values
• manager and team member solve problems together
• leader and staff member work out an action plan together
• a leader and first Lieutenant reach a mutual decision
• professionals provide empowering accountability for each other
• team members work through and resolve conflict
 
The professional conversation has three goals:
 
1) To develop the competence of each person,
2) To increase the confidence of each person and,
3) To improve our ability to work together productively. 
 
We understand the importance of meaningful conversations with the most significant people in our lives outside work.  Conversations unite families, vitalize marriage, and strengthen friendship.  Professional conversations unite partners, vitalize the staff, strengthen confidence and competence and mature our ability to work together productively.
The basis of a professional conversation is, “how can we help each other succeed.”  The time for professional conversations is in planning, crisis, conflict, challenge and new opportunity.  There are also structured times in the year when it is appropriate and productive to have a professional conversation:

A year end review / preview in which you discuss the business plan and each person’s professional assignment.

A quarterly discussion of an operational plan that clarifies expectations for goals, resources, and key action steps.

A weekly progress meeting that provides empowering accountability by receiving a progress report, celebrating wins, and solving problems.
 
Professional conversations are the building blocks of professional relationships.  As a leader, take the initiative.  Start the conversation by asking each team member, “How can I help you succeed?”  This type of conversation is the most needed and most lacking in the workplace.