Let’s start out with an extra large cup of the hot stuff to help kick-start the new week. Oh, and one sugar, please, in acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day.

Consistent with the theme of this card, flower and candy holiday that my significant other enjoys so much, the focus this week is on relationships.

1. Spend a few minutes each day strengthening your professional network

There are a million and one great reasons to spend a few minutes each week shoring up your professional network. There are no excuses for not doing this.

If you are gainfully employed, reach out to those on the wrong end of this recession and offer help. Review resumes and provide feedback, make introductions for valued associates and make yourself available to listen and empathize.

Work hard to overcome any discomfort you might feel in connecting with some newly unemployed friends. They’re not contagious, and frankly, I’m a big believer in keep the bank balance squarely on the giving side. You never know when conditions will shift, and you’ll need to make a few network withdrawals.

2.  Schedule a ride with a rep.  Spend some time in the field with your salespeople.

People that work in functions other than sales often have gigantic misperceptions about what these road warriors actually do for their organizations. I’ve learned more about my businesses by riding along with my sales colleagues for a few days than I would have been capable of learning in few years sitting behind corporate walls. It’s like getting an MBA in reality.

I’ve never come back from a ride-along without a host of great ideas to make it easier for our salespeople to sell and for our customers to buy and use our offerings. And whenever I hear someone joking about the soft life that salespeople lead, I beg to differ.

3. Reach out and repair a relationship.

By now, you’ve probably figured out that the only way big things get done inside of organizations is through the efforts of a lot of people from different functions working together. And chances are, there’s someone somewhere inside the organization that you are not on the best of terms with.

It’s time to be the better person and take the first step towards mending fences. Invite this person to lunch or coffee. Ask him or her what’s going on in their world. If your functional areas intersect, ask for feedback on how you or your team are doing and ask for ideas to improve. And then do it! The gesture and the follow-up are great bridge-building materials.

4. Don’t forget to cultivate your relationship with your boss.

The best leaders are also good followers. Reach out to your boss. Make sure your goals are calibrated with hers, and while you are at it, ask for some feedback. Your gesture might just create the opportunity for that coaching discussion your boss has been meaning to have with you.

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Last and not least, if you or more importantly, your significant other takes Valentine’s seriously, remember to do something special.  Make reservations, order flowers, pick up a gift or all of the above.  You’ll be glad that you did.  

If you need another cup, check out prior issues of Leadership Caffeine.  Otherwise, it’s time to get on with your great week.  Enjoy!   -Art