ABSTRACT
The Five Orientations model represents aspects of a leader’s frame of mind that contributes to successful problem solving through employee engagement. This chapter addresses the leadership capabilities to implement it. It is a model that addresses why initiatives succeed or fail—the lack of sufficient trust and open communication. Relationship Centered Leadership is a path to engagement that leaders may choose to create success. The chapter describes some of the prevalent breakdowns caused by exclusion, disrespect and not listening. It presents stories of leaders who addressed them through relationship building. We live in a relational world. Each social interaction holds the potential for relationship conflict. Trust reduces the stress of interaction. Technical skills and getting results is highly valued in industry. Managers with these skills, but lacking in relational skills, may be promoted into leadership positions to incentivize them to stay with the company because of their superior technical and/or industry expertise.
