Christopher Global

In today’s corporate landscape, project and product leaders continue to grapple with the complexities of human behavior, often under the framework of emotional intelligence. In our modern, technology-driven workplace, communication is increasingly mediated by digital tools, leading us to overlook a fundamental truth: at the other end of every interaction, we are still engaging with people.

Human nature favors the “path of least resistance”—seeking maximum results with minimal effort. While this principle can often drive efficiency and innovation, it can also manifest itself as avoidance, particularly in workplace relationships.

Consider a scenario where a key stakeholder is disengaged from direct communication with you. Without clear interactions, you are left uncertain about their perspective or any potential concerns. Instead of engaging with you directly, they default to communicating through your boss—conveying feedback, whether positive or negative, without your involvement. For them, this is the path of least resistance. For you, it is a missed opportunity to build rapport and trust. For your boss, if the feedback is less than praise, then it’s a problem to be managed. 

Recognizing this pattern is crucial. While you may not have done anything wrong, it is still your responsibility to address the relationship. The best approach is to foster a "one team, one goal" mentality—bringing all key players together to align on expectations, enhance transparency, and establish direct, open lines of communication. By proactively addressing these dynamics, leaders can build stronger, more effective relationships that drive collaboration and success.