Strength Through Connection: Build a Relational Culture

Hi, Hillary here, hoping to inspire you to build a relational culture. I do not want to assume that this goes without saying, so let's all remind ourselves that, as human beings, it is our natural instinct to desire relationships with others and to connect on a purposeful and personal level. Connection with others fosters a sense of well-being; much like the health benefits of diet and exercise, we need connection.

While the world of work has benefited from our "connection" on virtual platforms, which keep employees connected to their work at all times, we should ask ourselves: who is this really benefiting? We are more connected than ever, yet we feel increasingly less connected to each other. I believe that our virtual connections, while they have their place, are distinctly different from those we experience when we connect in person.

There is value in relational connections with colleagues that benefits both business and the individual. Some might view such a connection as social, and best done off the clock, but I disagree. We should never underestimate the value that personal connections bring to individuals, as these connections foster greater camaraderie, support, and care for each other and the work we are here to contribute to. The organization who fosters a relational culture, where individuals know each other—who they are, what they enjoy, what is important to them, and their work role—is a very powerful force. In this relational setting, people join together for the betterment of those around them, which ultimately supports the greater organization.

The responsibility of fostering connection falls on us all, at all levels of the organization. While the organization must support and cultivate this culture from the top down, we all play a part.

What intentional effort have you made recently to connect with someone new, with the purpose to get to know who they are and what their role is within the organization?

As we see "Human Resources" shift to "People & Culture," it is more than a name change, it is in the environment we aim to foster and our efforts must be intentional. One initiative I have incorporated into my connection efforts is bringing small groups of employees together, specifically those who are new to the organization or new to their roles. Starting a new job ranks high among the most stressful life experiences, often leaving individuals feeling disconnected as they try to meet people and learn the work. My hope is that these connections have helped reduce those stressors just a bit, leaving individuals with a few new colleagues to connect with, more knowledge about the organization, and the chance to step away from work and just be themselves, rather than the "new" person. I've hosted these gatherings over coffee or lunch, adding special elements to make them memorable experiences. Before the event, I introduce everyone invited via email and encourage them to share a little about themselves, so we have a foundation for our conversations when we get to meet each other in person.

I am fortunate to work at an organization with an on-site restaurant, so I've partnered with the executive chef to come out and meet everyone and serve a dessert sampler, featuring a signature item that is unique to the organization! Some group conversations flow more smoothly than others. Getting to know people is hard and it requires stepping outside our comfort zones, even for me, and this is my role. I've found that using conversation starter cards can be a fun way to initiate conversation. Check out Table Topics, I have the Original box.

I encourage you to make a new connection and get to know someone beyond a passing "hi, how are you" in the hallway.

We each carry the responsibility of growing a relational culture. I believe you will also find yourself feeling more connected, encouraged, and uplifted by the new relationship. Imagine a workplace where we experience strength through connection. Please be in touch and let me know how it goes, I'd love to hear about it, click here to email me! Click here to get in touch.