22. Why Cultivating Connection is Important to Your Strategy
1. BLUF
Connection is essential to our human experience.
To truly connect with someone, you must spend time with them.
Like athletic teams who operate as a well-oiled machine, professional teams who cultivate connection achieve their goals.
2. Connection - It’s Not About the Rock
I started teaching Sunday school 20 years ago and recently adjudicated a kerfuffle between two little ones over a rock. They both wanted it, thought it was theirs, and weren’t going to budge. I quickly realized it wasn’t about the rock at all.
It was about being seen, heard, and valued and what each thought was fair.
The irony is that both forgot about the rock when the next activity came along.
In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, psychologist and author Dr. Brené Brown defines connection as,
“The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”
She underscores the importance of connection in Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead,
“Connection is why we're here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.”
Connection is essential to our human experience.
As we forge connections at home, at work, in our houses of worship, on the soccer fields, and more – let’s think about how we can be more intentional.
3. From the Boat to the Boardroom
I still remember the sound of the scull slicing through the freshly frozen water on the Charles.
It was pre-dawn, during graduate school at Harvard, as I learned the art of rowing.
I quickly understood what it is like for a boat to be in sync…and what it’s like when the cadence is off.
When the team finds its rhythm, it’s like you’re flying on the water.
Everyone is connected, working towards the same goal.
It’s the same in business as in life.
Like athletic teams who operate as a well-oiled machine, professional teams who cultivate connection:
Operate in sync
Show increased job satisfaction & lower turnover
Foster innovation
Achieve their goals.
Each is critical to achieve your strategy.
Cultivating connection is particularly critical for dispersed teams. It can look like -
Defining & living into your company’s values
Creating an inclusive culture
Encouraging & acting on feedback
Prioritizing team-building activities
Making time to gather in-person
and more…
4. Application
So, what does it look like for your business?
What “rocks” might your team need to address?
How are you cultivating deeper connection within your team?
What is one thing you can do today to drive greater clarity?
I help small technology and professional services businesses scale and grow.
If you want to break through to the next level in your business, drop me a message, and we'll arrange a 15-min call to see if I can help.
To your success,
~Susan
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