Throughout my career I have focused on my team more than my peers or other stakeholders. Connecting regularly with your peers (who work for the same leader) not just in meetings is critical for you, your team and wider teams success.
I am not advocating for scheduled sessions, but a phone call to check in and say hi and are you Ok? Is there anything you need help on?
It means a lot to show your peers you care and you are there for them. It also builds rapport and trust, which are essential to support the performance of the team.
Other opportunities to build rapport with your peers who report to the same leader:
Over the last 12 months I have been challenged with support of a certain role and each time I have called on my peers and they have been keen to help. Make sure also that you thank them publicly so they know you appreciate their support.
Your peers are great as accountability partners, helping you to stay on track with your goals. This is great way to work together and build rapport.
Catching up as a group without your boss is also a great way to build the trust and support for each other. Let your boss know, and let them know you want to take away some of the noise by landing key decisions as a team. Also run monthly people only session with your peers to talk about Vacancies, Paternity leave, Talent, bench strength across the business, training, leave and much more. Again this is something you can do without your boss and just share the minutes.
Building relationships with your peers is critical to the business success. Just looking at your own team will not demonstrate leadership, make the time for your peers.
Other sources on this topic https://workbravely.com/blog/from-our-coaches/peer-working-relationships/
Angela Lovegrove 