How Are You Cultivating Connection?

In the 1990's Kevin Bacon and showed us that human connections are not random. 'Six degrees of Kevin Bacon' became a popular game to find the connections between seemingly random strangers. It seems, we're all connected somehow. Even so, research reported by the ABC shows that less than half of Australians actually know their neighbours by name. Physical proximity doesn't automatically create connection. 

Workplaces can suffer from the same invisible barriers, despite physical proximity. People who pass in the hall every day, but never speak to each other. People who sit only meters apart, but never have a conversation. People who know each other by sight, but not by name. 

In recent months, periods of lockdown have brought local communities closer together. People have looked out for their neighbours, to check if they're OK, and have perhaps spoken with them for the first time. Some streets had 'driveway drinks', children made chalk drawings on the footpaths and others left teddy bears in the windows for kids to spot while out for their walks. In a time of crisis, people have made an effort to create meaningful connections.

In some ways, remote work has been a boon for engagement. It has meant that conversations have to be scheduled. Now you can see everyone on the screen at once, but it's harder to have a chat off to the side. It's not the same as the spontaneous interactions that can take place when we meet and mingle face-to-face. But if we don't make the most of these interactions when we have them, then what's the difference?

Leaders need to be deliberate about creating opportunities for engagement, whether that's in-person, or online. To engage your team, and empower them to engage others, connections need to be cultivated, not left to random chance.

How are you cultivating connection?

Learn more about the smarts you need to succeed in your asset management career with my free video series.