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The idea of creating lift is not limited to leadership in the workplace. It also applies to the relationships we build and sustain in our personal lives. The same question carries over in a meaningful way. How are you creating lift for the people you care about?

Relationships often move through seasons that include both ease and difficulty. During times of stress, uncertainty, or fatigue, the presence of a supportive partner or friend can make a meaningful difference. Lift in this context involves offering encouragement, stability, and understanding in ways that help the other person remain grounded.

One of the most powerful ways to create lift in a relationship is through emotional attunement. This involves paying attention to how the other person is feeling and responding with care. Research by John Gottman (1999) highlights how small, consistent moments of connection contribute to stronger and more resilient relationships. When individuals feel seen and understood, they are more likely to remain engaged and connected over time.

Encouragement is another important element of lift. This involves recognizing effort, affirming strengths, and offering support as the other person works toward their goals. Research by Shelly L. Gable and colleagues (2004) on active constructive responding shows that the way individuals respond to each other’s experiences can influence relationship satisfaction. Responding with genuine interest and enthusiasm helps reinforce connection and strengthens emotional bonds.

Creating lift also involves consistency. Small actions such as checking in, expressing appreciation, and spending intentional time together contribute to a sense of stability. These moments may appear ordinary, yet they form the foundation of a relationship that feels secure and supportive.

It is also important to maintain a sense of shared direction. Conversations about values, goals, and priorities help ensure that both individuals feel aligned. This alignment can create a sense of purpose within the relationship that extends beyond daily routines.

There will be times when the people we care about are navigating challenges that we cannot resolve for them. In those moments, lift is found in presence. Sitting with someone, offering steady support, and remaining engaged without needing to fix the situation can be deeply meaningful. This kind of presence communicates commitment and care in a way that words alone often cannot.

Relationships that experience this kind of lift tend to feel more resilient. They create space for both individuals to grow while remaining connected. The effort to uplift another person becomes a shared experience that strengthens the bond over time.

So the question becomes personal. How are you creating lift for the people in your life?

Sources

Gable, S. L., Reis, H. T., Impett, E. A., & Asher, E. R. (2004). What do you do when things go right The intrapersonal and interpersonal benefits of sharing positive events. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(2), 228–245.

Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic A scientifically based marital therapy. New York Norton