A Relationship Check-Up is the most basic element in a relationship-building program. In simplest terms: you have to know the actual condition of your relationships before you can do anything to improve them. Effective communication is the bedrock upon which effective relationships are built. All effective communication programs, in turn, must begin with listening, not speaking. A Relationship Check-Up is a listening tool, just like many others used by professional communciators. This guide addresses hospital audiences specifically but is easily translatable to any other industry.