Trust-Based Relationships • 185
hear, rather than what they need to hear, is symptomatic of a sterile,
unproductive culture, making intimacy even more critical.
Tips for Building Intimacy on Projects
Get to know people as individuals. Begin by acquainting yourself with
people as if they were your parents, spouse, or children instead
of merely as analysts, programmers, engineers, etc. Get to know
stakeholders’ spouses and children by name and ask about them.
Learn about their hobbies, spiritual interests, and social con-
cerns; and show each of them respect. Learn what challenges they
are facing both inside and outside the workplace. Acknowledge
feelings about their successes, failures, and ongoing challenges.
Empathy can be communicated by s ...