Finding Balance Between Work Tasks and Relationship Building
Balancing daily work demands with the need to build strong relationships is a challenge for any leader—especially when you’re juggling multiple roles. Matt Hartman, Chief of Staff at Oracle, shares how he manages priorities, delegates effectively, and invests in relationships to keep teams productive and connected.
Key Takeaways
Prioritize impact first. Focus on high-level organizational goals before diving into functional team tasks.
Delegate with intent. Match tasks to team members’ skills and cross-train to ensure coverage.
Build trust before you need it. Invest time in understanding colleagues’ backgrounds, strengths, and interests.
Notable Quotes
“If you take that energy and invest in relationships, delegating becomes easier.”
“Influencing without authority starts with relationships, not transactions.”
“Without strong empathy, you cannot be a successful leader today.”
Real-World Applications
Two-in-a-box coverage model
Example: Assign a primary and backup for every major task. If your lead project manager is out, their backup can step in without disruption.
Skill-based delegation
Example: If a team member has marketing experience from a side business, tap them for input on a product launch campaign.
Peer influence without authority
Example: When working with a peer department, start by helping them solve a problem unrelated to your task request. Build goodwill first.
Matt Hartman’s approach shows that balancing tasks and relationships isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about making them work together. By prioritizing impact, delegating smartly, and creating authentic connections, leaders can keep teams aligned, productive, and motivated—no matter how big the workload or how spread out the team.
Time Stamps:
01:44 Balancing Dual Roles
04:36 Delegation Strategies
12:54 Building Relationships and Influence
19:22 Handling Resistance and Finding Common Ground
23:59 Global Team Management
30:18 Effective Team Meetings and Icebreakers
40:39 Embracing AI and Technology
41:25 The Importance of Giving Back
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.