When was the last time you had a conversation with a colleague that wasn’t about work? Not just a quick “How was your weekend?” but a real chat—about what’s going on in their world, what they’re interested in, what matters to them beyond deadlines and deliverables.

We all know the routine: "How are you?" "Fine, thanks. You?" "Yeah, good."—and straight onto work.

Edgar Schein, one of the great thinkers on organisational culture, talks about Level 2 relationships—where people move beyond transactional, task-focused interactions and start to see each other as whole individuals.

His book Humble Inquiry is probably one of my favourite books of all time.

Level 2 relationships aren’t about being best mates with everyone at work—they’re just about moving beyond the usual surface-level chat. At Level 2, people feel comfortable being a little more open, asking for help without hesitation, and giving honest feedback without fear.

It’s the difference between a team that just works together and a team that trusts each other. When people feel seen as individuals, not just as job titles, collaboration improves, difficult conversations get easier, and the workplace becomes a more supportive (and frankly, more enjoyable) environment.

How do you build Level 2 relationships? It’s surprisingly simple. Schein suggests:

• Taking a genuine interest – Noticing what excites or concerns people, and following up later.
• Being willing to share – Opening up a little about your own experiences, values, or challenges.
• Creating space for casual moments – Not every interaction needs to be about work. Grabbing a coffee, checking in without an agenda, or having a quick chat before a meeting all help.

This isn’t just about being nice—it’s about working better together. People who feel seen and valued beyond their job title are more engaged, more open, and more likely to support each other when it counts.

Of course, for some people, this kind of conversation doesn’t come naturally. You might worry about overstepping, getting too personal, or just feeling a bit awkward.

The key is to start small. Asking about a recent trip, a hobby, or even what they’re watching or reading at the moment is an easy way in. Pay attention to their response—if they seem open, follow their lead. If they give a short answer and move on, that’s fine too. It’s not about forcing connection, just creating the opportunity for it.

Schein also talks about going first—taking the lead in opening up a little. Whether it’s sharing a bit about your weekend, admitting when something didn’t go to plan, or just being a bit more human in conversations, that small step often gives others permission to do the same.

This isn’t about prying or turning work into a therapy session. It’s about showing people they’re more than just the job they do. A little bit of genuine curiosity and care can go a long way.

So before the week is out, take a moment to connect. Ask about something beyond the to-do list. Listen properly. You might be surprised by what it unlocks.

Make space for real conversations.