New leaders often get so buried in their daily tasks that they forget one critical responsibility: building relationships with their team. Rapport building isn’t about fake office friendliness—it’s about creating genuine connections that transform how your team communicates, collaborates, and trusts you. Skip this, and you’re wasting time and energy dealing with problems that could’ve been prevented.
Andrew Stoute joins the podcast to talk about rapport building in leadership. With a background in both leadership and HR, Andrew has spent years helping leaders create stronger work environments through intentional relationship-building. He’s also the host of the “Let’s Be Diverse” podcast and a board member for the non-profit Faced with Grace.
In this conversation, Andrew breaks down what rapport building actually means and why it matters for new leaders. He explains how to start small—even a quick “good morning” counts—and build connections gradually without burning yourself out. Andrew shares practical strategies for leaders who find networking draining, including how to read the room, handle awkward interactions, and know when to invest your energy.
Most importantly, he emphasizes that rapport building doesn’t require extroversion or natural charisma. It just requires consistency, genuine curiosity, and the willingness to show up for your team.
Whether you’re naturally outgoing or prefer working independently, the strategies in this episode will help you build stronger relationships across your organization. Start small, stay consistent, and watch how these connections transform your leadership effectiveness.
Episode Highlights
0:36 – Andrew introduces his work in leadership, HR, and his podcast “Let’s Be Diverse.”
1:34 – Debunking the biggest lie about leadership: it’s not about having all the answers or being authoritative.
2:24 – What rapport building really means and why it’s foundational for trust and collaboration.
4:49 – A powerful example of a leader building rapport through small, daily actions.
6:01 – Tactics for remote leaders to build rapport and foster cross-functional collaboration.
8:14 – Where to start building rapport when you’re feeling overwhelmed by stakeholders.
9:41 – For introverts or those with low energy: how to begin without burning out.
11:00 – Why even short, awkward interactions can still be effective and valuable.
14:42 – Handling rejection or disinterest when trying to connect with others.
16:00 – Knowing when rapport building is taking you away from your leadership priorities.
20:01 – Andrew’s top advice for new leaders: be a listener, be attentive, and be consistent.
Links & Resource
- Connect with Andrew Stoute on LinkedIn: Andrew Stoute on LinkedIn
- Andrew’s Podcast: Let’s Be Diverse
- The Made Leader on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themadeleader
- Follow and leave a five star review to: The Made Leader Podcast
Guest Bio
Andrew Stoute is a respected Human Resources and Leadership professional with a passion for building workplaces rooted in trust, inclusion, and respect. As the host of the Let’s Be Diverse podcast, he amplifies conversations on leadership, career growth, workplace culture, and personal development. In his role on the Board of Directors for Faced With Grace, Andrew advocates for ending workplace toxicity and fostering mental wellness. As a consultant, he partners with organizations and leaders to create cultures where people feel seen, heard, valued, and understood. Andrew’s work blends expertise with heart, driven by the belief that when we work together, we can create meaningful change.
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