It’s hard to lead people you’ve never once asked about their weekend.

Authority with no relationship behind it is thin, because people put in extra effort for somebody who treats them as a person rather than a slot on a rota. Small questions do most of that work, since they show you noticed somebody exists outside what they produce for you. It is not a technique. Used as a technique it is obvious, and worse than saying nothing at all.

Ask two people something ordinary this week and then remember the answer. Bring it up next time you see them. Keep doing it past the point where it is useful to you.