"My father and I hold the view that relationships are fundamental to our existence, influencing our experiences, emotions, and life paths," Josiah writes, contending that readers must first grasp how the three main relationship types manifest before they can transform them into higher-level personal and professional success. To help that process, Transforming the Relationship digs into factors like empathy, positivity, and authenticity as the basis for quality business interactions; gives examples of professional roles in each relationship category; and studies what it takes for each relationship type to progress. Whereas transitional relationships (classmates, colleagues, etc.) will be the majority type for most people, they aren’t necessarily the end goal, the authors write. Transformational relationships—those that “provide mutual growth and make us better than the people we were when we first entered into them”—are an example of human connection at its best.

Beyond business interactions, the authors touch on family attachments as well, including how parenting looks through the lens of their three primary relationship types. They close with a discussion on transfiguration as “the fulfillment of transformation,” emphasizing that true change occurs from the inside out and tying this concept into their Christian faith. Their central idea that “with every person we meet… we build each relationship into a beautifully intertwined story full of significance” is moving.

Takeaway: Practical business advice centered on interpersonal relationships.

Comparable Titles: Ed Wallace's Business Relationships That Last, Jan Yager's Productive Relationships.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+