Summer is an excellent time to be intentional about strengthening the relationships in your life, including your relationships at work. Take a few minutes to write down the names of individuals you want to develop stronger relationships with. If may be your spouse, child, parent or friend.

At work, think about the people you need to have good relationships with to do your work well (I call these "Critical Connections") and consider the present state of that relationship. The time to strengthen relationships at work is before they are under stress. In times of stress, relationships are tested so developing strong relationships in advance of life's inevitable stress tests is wise.

Once you have identified who you want to develop a stronger relationship with, spend time with them over meals or coffee. Ask them questions so that you get to know them as human beings. By asking questions of another individual, listening carefully to their reply so that you can understand an empathize , demonstrates that you value them as human beings. Understanding and empathy reflect the essence of connection. Here are are a few questions to consider:

• Where did you grow up?
• What are your interests outside of work?
• What are your favorite movies and television shows?
• What are you favorite books?
• Who are your favorite musicians?
• Who are your heroes?
• Where did you go to college and what did you study?
• What events in your life shaped you as a person?
• Who has had the greatest impact on your life and why?
• What is the best advice you received?

These questions should give you plenty to talk about and help you get to better know the people in your life.