In her third lesson about building relationships, Barra reminded the graduates that even the most talented individuals cannot achieve great things in isolation. She emphasized that tomorrow's leaders must earn the respect and trust of those they lead — not through credentials or authority, but through genuine openness, active listening, and demonstrated care for others. She reinforced the point by quoting legendary Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler: 'If you do not like people, you will not take the time to get to know them, and if you don't get to know them, you will have no idea what scares them, what inspires them, what motivates them.' Barra also offered the practical advice that relationships cannot be built only when you need them — they must be cultivated gradually and steadily over time.