Human COnnection as a Strategy

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of the importance of human connection. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, we're more connected than ever before, but often feel more disconnected than ever. Kyle Roed, on a recent podcast, shared his personal experience of seeing the power of healthy relationships in the lives of those who live longest. He also discussed how the lack of authentic connection in the workplace is a major challenge for organizations today.

Many organizations are now focused on creating a thriving culture that fosters connection among employees. But where do you start? According to Kyle, it's important to create intentional opportunities for connection. This means carving out time in the workday for team members to connect with each other, building trust through vulnerability, and creating a sense of belonging. Here are a few ways to do this:
​

1. Foster a culture of trust: Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. To create a culture of trust, leaders need to be vulnerable and open with their team members. This means sharing their own experiences, being transparent about their own failures, and listening actively to their team members' concerns.
2. Make time for connection: In today's busy work environment, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks and forget about the importance of connecting with others. Leaders need to create intentional opportunities for team members to connect with each other. This could mean scheduling regular team-building activities, creating a virtual watercooler space, or simply encouraging team members to take a few minutes to chat with each other before or after meetings.
3. Encourage belonging: Feeling like you belong is a key component of building authentic connections. Leaders need to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This means actively promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives and encouraging team members to share their unique perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, creating authentic connections in the workplace is crucial for building a thriving culture and improving employee well-being. By fostering a culture of trust, making time for connection, and encouraging belonging, leaders can create an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and connected.