High Quality Connections
Eudaimonic Resources
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Increasing Engagement
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Motivation
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NFP
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Team Effectiveness
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WHAT
High-quality connections (HQCs) are positive interactions, even brief ones, that make you feel seen, energized, uplifted and engaged whether you do them virtually or face-to-face.
WHY
When we are feeling stressed, one of the most important things we can do for our well-being is stay connected to others. When we experience HQCs we become physically and psychologically healthier, have greater cognitive functioning, and are more resilient, collaborative, involved and creative.
When HQCs are enabled at work, employees are more committed, engaged and report higher psychological safety. When working virtually, HQCs helps teams coordinate, share knowledge, agree upon goals and show mutual respect, all of which lead to greater efficiency and performance.
HOW
Research has identified four pathways to building High-Quality Connections:
1. Engage respectfully. Show people that they’re important.
Be attentive.
When you speak to people, hit the “do not disturb” button to reduce your distractions. If you’re online, turn on your webcam so you can show people that you’re paying attention.
Listen well.
Notice not only what is said, but how it is said.
Listen to people with empathy and follow-up with questions.
Be genuine and acknowledge others’ needs.
Ask questions that convey interest, uncover common ground, inject positivity, and are helpful.
Make space in meetings for people to “check-in,” share and reflect.
Be compassionate, especially during times of stress and uncertainty.
Communicate supportively.
Make requests, not demands. Communicate specifics, not generalities.
2. Task-enable. Help someone do something.
Nurture. Offer emotional support, encouragement and recognition.
Teach. Offer information and guidance.
Accommodate. Be flexible and meet the style and needs of the person.
Advocate. Ensure that people get the resources they need.
Be sure to ask for feedback to make sure you’re actually helping
3. Build Trust. Start by extending trust to others.
Remember that you build trust not only through the things you say and do (e.g., how you share information and responsibility), but through the things you refrain from saying and doing as well.
Things to avoid:
Excessive monitoring
Ignoring input
Making accusations
Acting inconsistently
4. Play. No matter our age, we can all afford to play a little. Voluntary play not only lets off steam, but also helps us explore, learn, bond, and innovate.
Create space in your meetings for people to be social. Try a “Show and Tell” for people to share their talents, tell a joke or introduce their pets.
Improv exercises can be fun and help your team develop flexibility and a growth mindset (e.g., “Yes, and” and “Small win. Big win.”). Many of them can be adapted for a virtual environment.
Ask your team for suggestions on how they best like to play.
RESOURCES
Energize Your Workplace: How to Create and Sustain High-Quality Connections at Work
Podcast: “Can You Build High-Quality Connections?”