top of page

Building Lasting Relationships: The Power of [Re]Connection

Writer's picture: Austin J. CrawfordAustin J. Crawford

Updated: Feb 2

I’m not going to sit here and pretend I have all the answers when it comes to marriage. Relationships are hard. (Single folks, hang tight—this applies to you too. I promise there’s good content here.)

Here’s the truth: I don’t have it all figured out. But I’ve learned that the principles we strive to live by in our work—growth, intentionality, and connection—are just as vital at home. After all, shouldn’t we aim to live our personal lives the same way we approach our professional ones? Better today than we were yesterday.

When I reflect on 10 years of marriage, I’m struck by how much time and change have shaped us… and how much growing I’m learning to do, and how incredible my wife’s become. It feels like a blink of an eye, so much has evolved. Over time, people, character, and needs change. And that’s a good thing. The person you started the journey with—whether it’s your spouse, your team, or even yourself—will not be the same person they are today. That’s not a failure; it’s growth. It’s beautiful, and it should be embraced.

The alternative? Stagnation or decline. Neither of those places are where I want to be—not in my marriage, not in my leadership, and not in my life. Growth, as natural as it is, takes work. So I keep asking myself: Am I willing to put in the work to grow together?

No matter the relationship, it’s easy to assume you know someone based on who they were when you first met—or in the case of leadership, when you first hired them. But relationships thrive on curiosity and connection. To truly build something that lasts, you have to keep learning who someone is in the now.

That’s why I believe in carving out the time to reconnect, whether it’s with your spouse over coffee or your team during a one-on-one. Life is too dynamic to rely on outdated assumptions. As a wise man once told me: “Assuming is the lowest form of knowing (someone).”

So, staying curiously connected; it’s essential for building trust, alignment, and relationships that last.

Key Takeaways for Growth

  1. Change is Natural—Embrace It: Growth is a sign of progress, not distance. Evolving as individuals strengthens relationships when we’re willing to adapt.

  2. Re-connection Builds Trust: Take time to understand where people are today—what drives them, what they need, and how they’ve grown.

  3. Intentional Effort is Non-Negotiable: Great relationships—whether in leadership or marriage—don’t happen by accident. They’re built through consistent effort and adaptability.

Steps for Growth in Leadership and Partnership

1. Create Time to Reconnect

  • In leadership: Schedule meaningful one-on-ones to uncover your team’s current challenges, goals, and motivations.

  • In marriage: Set aside regular moments to talk—not just about daily logistics, but about life, growth, and dreams.

2. Ask Thoughtful Questions

  • In leadership: What’s working for you? What’s challenging? Where do you want to grow next?

  • In marriage: What inspires you right now? How have your goals shifted? How can I support you better?

3. Celebrate Change and Growth

  • In leadership: Recognize and appreciate team members’ progress, no matter how small. Celebrate their wins and acknowledge their development.

  • In marriage: Reflect on how far you’ve come together. Celebrate milestones, both big and small, and express gratitude for your partner’s growth.

Looking Forward, Together

Marriage and leadership are both journeys of growth and commitment. They require effort, curiosity, and the courage to stay connected, even when it’s hard. When you invest in these relationships—with intention and openness—you build something that can truly stand the test of time.

So lean in. Make the time to [re]connect. Embrace the beauty of change and commit to growing with the people who matter most. Whether you’re leading a team or nurturing a partnership, invest in the journey together.

The best day’s yet are around the corner.


1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page