Reframe for Resilience: Dr. Frank L. Douglas with Morag Barrett on "Connection Over Perfection: Building Resilient Teams Through Relationships"

Reframe for Resilience

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Reframe for Resilience, Dr. Frank L. Douglas welcomes Morag Barrett—leadership expert, author, and founder of SkyeTeam—to explore how workplace relationships directly influence team performance and personal well-being. With over 20 years of global leadership experience and thousands of leaders coached, Morag unpacks why connection—not just competence—is key to cultivating resilience.

She explains how her early career in finance taught her the value of interdependence, not just independence. They discuss the difference between connection and relationship, the role of friendship at work, and how reframing “Do I have a best friend at work?” into “Am I a friend at work?” empowers individuals to foster thriving teams.

Listeners will also learn about the Ally Mindset, five practices that strengthen team culture, and the importance of storytelling in building psychological safety and resilience.

Key Topics

• The difference between connection and relationships at work
• Why interdependence matters more than independence
• The reframing of “Do I have a best friend at work?”
• Five practices of the Ally Mindset: Abundance and Generosity, Connection and Compassion, Courage and Vulnerability, Candor and Debate, Action and Accountability
• Four types of workplace dynamics: Ally, Supporter, Rival, Adversary
• Storytelling as a tool for team bonding and resilience

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] – Introduction to Morag Barrett and her leadership journey

[01:00] – Early career lessons in independence vs. interdependence

[03:00] – Defining connection vs. relationship in the workplace

[04:30] – Consequences of neglecting human connection at work

[05:30] – Friendship at work and Gallup’s research on team performance

[06:30] – Reframing the question: Am I a friend at work?

[07:00] – Introduction to the Ally Mindset and invitation to take the profile

[08:00] – Five practices for creating an Ally culture

[10:00] – Relationship dynamics in the workplace

[11:30] – The role of storytelling in connection and overcoming obstacles

[13:00] – How shared stories build team resilience

Links & Resources:

Visit Morag Barett’s website at SkyeTeam

You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work (and How to Show Up As One!) – Morag Barrett

Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships – Morag Barrett

Listen to more episodes of Reframe for Resilience Podcast

Learn more about Safe Haven Dialogues LLC

Closing Remark:

Relationships are not a "nice-to-have"—they’re a strategic advantage. As Morag Barrett reminds us, resilience isn’t just built through grit, but through connection, compassion, and the courage to show up for each other. Whether you’re a leader or teammate, ask not just Do I have a friend at work? but Am I a friend at work? That shift might just transform your team’s future.