Excellent, Will. I once had a manager who reminded us to 'preserve the relationship'. Maybe not at all costs but there was never a time in my tenure at that organization when the battle was of such savage proportions that her advice didn't make sense.  Your six points are remarkably accurate for building relationships. You asked if I think relationships are important or not. I absolutely believe we humans were created for relationships and there is no skirting the fact that we need each other. So if were to add to your list, point 0 would be Decide that relationships are worth it and desire to preserve them.