Sean,
In a previous job I worked for a manager that understood the importance of strengthening employee relationships. He did many of the things that you spoke of in your article; he had monthly luncheons with his leadership team, he held one on ones with each team member and he asked each member what their short and long term goals were. The results of these relationship building activities were evident throughout the department not only in his leadership team, but in their direct reports as well. He created an environment that promoted growth and development for all employees, which in-turn led to increased performance by the entire department.