Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, we welcome Morag Barrett, executive coach, leadership expert, and bestselling author of You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work. Morag has worked with over 10,000 leaders across 20 countries, helping them develop strong professional relationships that drive success.

We dive into the Ally Mindset, the five practices that define high-performing teams, and why relationships—not just results—are the key to leadership success. Morag shares insights from her research on why 75% of employees say their boss is the most stressful part of their day and what leaders can do to change that. If you're looking to build stronger teams, foster connection, and create a thriving work culture, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Guest Information:

• Morag Barrett – Executive coach, leadership expert, and author.
• Website: Skyteam.com
• Take the Free Ally Mindset Profile: skyteam.cloud/youmewe
• Connect on LinkedIn: Morag Barrett

Key Topics Discussed:

The Leadership Gap & Workplace Relationships

• Why 75% of employees say their boss is the most stressful part of their job.
• The common leadership blind spots that cause disengagement and turnover.
• Why the "soft skills" myth is hurting leadership effectiveness.

The Ally Mindset & The Five Practices

1. Abundance & Generosity – Moving from scarcity to a shared success mindset.
2. Connection & Compassion – Building relationships beyond job titles.
3. Courage & Vulnerability – Creating a culture of trust and open feedback.
4. Candor & Debate – Encouraging honest conversations without fear.
5. Action & Accountability – Turning collaboration into results.

The Relational Ecosystem at Work

• The four relationship types: Allies, Supporters, Rivals, and Adversaries.
• How to identify your allies and turn rivals into allies.
• Why maintaining relationships is key to long-term success—and how to do it without feeling overwhelmed.

Workplace Trends & The Future of Leadership

• How return-to-office mandates are affecting workplace dynamics.
• Why interdependence is the future of work, not rugged individualism.
• The research behind how strong relationships impact performance, retention, and even workplace safety.

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• Who would you jump at the chance to work with again—and why?
• How are you showing up as an ally in your workplace relationships?
• What small actions can you take to foster connection and accountability in your team?

Resources Mentioned:

• Books by Morag...