In this issue: The Unrealized Power of Connection…Why Your Community Matters and How to Find It / What Adults Forget About Friendship / The Art of the 15-Minute Meeting and How to Run One / The Lighter Side of Connection
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Whether it’s the first time, or if it’s just been a while, let’s connect and get to know each other (better) as humans.
1. If we’re not connected yet, connect with me on LinkedIn. I post some useful stuff there, as well :); and/or
2. Put 30 minutes on my calendar to chat. No strings attached, whatsoever.
Of course, if there’s something I can help you with, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
I look forward to connecting!
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The Unrealized Power of Connection
We live in an age of unprecedented connectivity, and yet, we often lack the profound connections we need to be and do our best.
Those can only come with genuine interactions.
And when realized, they can be magic.
Recently, I had lunch with a friend I hadn’t seen in years.
In those few hours, we shared our thoughts and insights which were impossible to quantify on many levels.
True connections, like this, are where minds meet, and innovation is born.
The ideas not only develop but evolve, often exponentially … leading to greater trust, and relatedly creativity that go beyond our solitary digital worlds.
Not surprisingly, the greater the diversity of these connections the more innovative the solutions.
In those moments, “Think Different” goes beyond a slogan and becomes a way of being.
They reinforce what we inherently know, community matters.
This is why even the most introverted of us – at times – need to connect with others.
Humans are inherently social creatures.
It’s part of our genetic wiring.
In the most basic sense, our survival depends on it.
At a somewhat higher evolutionary level, it provides us with a sense of belonging, identity, and shared purpose… all essential components for individual and collective wellbeing.
The research is clear.
The Gallup organization found that people who had a best friend at work were seven times more likely to be engaged in their jobs.
Not surprisingly they also tend to stay longer.
This isn’t just about the warm fuzzies (though would it really be so bad if it were :), it directly impacts productivity and profitability.
Conversely, loneliness negatively affects both our wellbeing.
Get Connected
Despite the research, these days it feels increasingly difficult to create these connections.
Or is it?
Sometimes it can simply be a matter of finding people with similar interests and/or values.
Like most things in life, it’s about preferences.
What I find interesting, may (likely :) be boring for you.
That’s why, both in our personal and professional lives it’s important to take the time to get to understand what matters to you.
When you’re clear about your “why?” and seek out ways to connect with it and those with similar motivation the rest becomes a whole lot easier.
While we all have multiple sides and nothing/nobody will be “perfect,” …the trick is to always be striving to get closer to this seemingly moving target.
And to bring it full circle, seek out those you connect with and can help support you move closer toward that target.
This is why, in those precious moments, even after 10 years you can have a 2-hour lunch and be so engaged, connected, and at your best that you don’t notice the time...and isn’t that really what life is all about?
Creating More Meaningful Connections
1. Self-Reflection: Begin with self-reflection to understand your interests, values, and personality type, to gain clarity on the connections that would be most fulfilling and meaningful for you.
2. Find Your People: Engage in communities, groups, or events where like-minded individuals gather, whether online or offline. Look for opportunities to meet people with similar interests and values.
3. Make It Personal: Take the initiative to reach out to others, start conversations, and build relationships; nurture these connections.
4. Similar but Different: There’s a richness in spending time with people from various backgrounds, industries, and perspectives – diversity breeds creativity and innovation.
5. Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing learning and personal development; being open to new ideas and experiences not only helps you grow but also makes you a more interesting and engaging connection with others.
Final Thoughts
Connection is about more than slogans; it’s the essence of who we are. It can also spark creativity and innovation while providing the comfort of belonging.
And when we embrace it consciously our lives become richer and more meaningful, at work, and beyond.
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
What Adults Forget About Friendship
Just catching up can feel stale. Playing and wasting time together like kids do are how you make memories.
The Art of the 15-Minute Meeting and How to Run One
Banish meeting bloat from your day with these productivity hacks; ‘The death of your day is too many half-hours’.
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The Lighter Side of Connection
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
And if you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
As always, thanks for reading!