Loving Actions that Connect
Connection! We thrive on it. Some of us in small, occasional doses; others with high volume and frequency. But we all need human connection to be safe and healthy. In fact, such positive affirming connection is part of the definition of love.
Practices for loving connection vary depending on the relationships too from how we connect with our neighbors or running club members, or a stranger at the coffee shop, or the grocery store clerk, or with our closest friends, or children or partner. Different kinds of loving connections are needed in all these kinds of relationships.
This is, of course true at work too! Loving connections are an important part of work that people describe in my research. Here are some examples of interpersonal connections at work:
Examples of individual actions that connect might include:
Greeting each other - this is simple but when overlooked actually creates harm when people feel unseen.
Reaching out and making the effort to know someone as a person
Modeling authenticity and openness
Respectfully asking questions that show interest
Remembering details and following up
Inviting someone for coffee or lunch
Listening
Including a planning committee
Connection can take many forms - connecting to team members and leaders but also connecting to purpose and values and to customers. Examples of organizational structures and systems that foster connection include:
New employee mentor and cultural guide programs
All-staff retreats focused on building relationships and reinforcing connection to the mission
Establishing norms for checking-in at team meetings as people
Leader communication affirming the value and importance of taking time for human connection - some folks need permission and assurance this is acceptable and desirable.
Hosting purpose-alignment workshops to connect employees’ roles to the organization's purpose and values
Coffee Chats with the CEO or better yet, Coffee Visits by the CEO, bringing coffee to business units to listen, answer questions, get to know them, and hear ideas and needs.
Peer recognition programs connecting through appreciation as a habit
Hosting events celebrating milestones and achievements
Navigator tools to help employees connect to resources and support as needed
And so many more are possible!
What are some examples of how your organization creates loving connection or uplift too through organizational planning, policies, processes, practices, communication, systems, or culture?
