Connection

What is it?

Connecting both on physical and emotional levels is correlated with self-esteem and reducing loneliness.  

A 2018 study led by researchers with the American Cancer Society (ACS) examined data from more than 580,000 adults and found that social isolation can contribute to depression, insomnia, and cognitive decline.

Other research suggests that social isolation can increase chances of death by at least 50%. A lack of human connection was found to be more harmful than even obesity and smoking.

The 2021 World Happiness Report found that people who experienced an increase in connectedness with others during the pandemic had:

  1. Greater life satisfaction

  2. More resilience

  3. Better mental health

So human connection is vital for mental health and increases our joy, fulfilment and appreciation of others. For leaders, especially post – pandemic and in dealing with hybrid work, it’s important for us to balance technology tools and work practices that enable us to operate remotely with efficiency, with the need for teams to be connected.

How might you develop it?

Here are 10 tips on developing stronger connection:

  1. Develop a clear and compelling vision for the team that inspires and motivates everyone to work together towards a common goal

  2. Foster open and transparent communication that encourages everyone to share their thoughts and ideas, and build trust by being honest, reliable, and supportive

  3. Encourage collaboration and teamwork by providing opportunities for team members to work together on projects and initiatives, and recognize and celebrate team achievements to build a sense of pride and accomplishment

  4. Invest in your team members' personal and professional development by providing opportunities for learning and growth, and show a commitment to their success.

  5. Model the behaviors you want to see in your team by leading by example and demonstrating a commitment to the team's success

  6. Take it beyond transaction and work deliverables;

  7. Share experiences and thoughts together

  8. Plan and do stuff (now – work stuff) together

  9. Think how your personal relationships could be elevated so you connect at a higher level

  10. Support your colleagues when they need your help

By focusing on these areas, you can create a healthy, supportive work environment that fosters strong connections between team members and leads to higher performance and greater success. As an executive coach, I can work with you to develop strategies and techniques for building a more connected and effective team.