Why A Lack Of Human Connection Is Crippling Your Work Culture — Susan Chapman-Hughes
“Communication — the human connection — is the key to personal and career success.” — Paul J. Meyer | Author
True human connection in the workplace is essential for the success of an organization. Despite its importance, a sense of community and connection has been difficult to foster in the post-pandemic world. Remote working has led people to disconnect, and this has led work culture to deteriorate.
Recently I read an article in Forbes titled “Why A Lack Of Human Connection Is Crippling Your Work Culture”, by Marc Perna. As a leader who builds trust and encourages collaboration in the workplace, this article resonated with me. It describes the importance of human connection in the workplace and how leaders can foster such an environment.
Most c-suite executives have by now realized the importance of human connection and have adopted it as one of their top priorities. Although cultivating a connection is gradual, leaders can set the tone for human connection in the organization.
“A true human connection is essentially organic in that it happens naturally — or not at all.”
One easy habit to implement is regular check-ins with employees. This consists of simply asking how one’s team is doing. Nothing related to any assignment or work — dimply making sure people are happy, mentally stimulated, and enjoying their work environment.This small gesture is very powerful. It shows a sense of sincerity and care.
The article further delves into the importance of leaders building a culture of trust and human connection.
“If we prioritize forging a human connection with those we lead and work beside, we’ll find it’s not actually that hard. It’s more of a mindset than anything else.
Yes, it takes a little extra time and effort to ask someone how they’re doing — and really listen to the answer. Yes, we have to be more observant of those around us — and notice if something’s amiss. That’s what makes this connection so essentially human.
When leaders deliberately choose to build habits of human connection, these behaviors will spill over into the culture. And one of the easiest habits to implement is the art of checking in and then walking away.”
While technology does serve as a platform to connect with co-workers, it is not the whole game. The pandemic has taught us the importance of in-person connections and that remote connecting cannot be considered equivalent to the connections formed face-to-face.
Read the original article here.
Susan Chapman-Hughes is a C-level executive, global speaker, and connected leader. Known as an effective change maker, she has expertise in serving multiple industries in various leadership and executive roles and has a distinct talent for bringing stakeholders together to develop shared winning strategies. Her ability to develop talent to high levels has been recognized by the organizations she works at and serves on the board of. Most recently, Susan served as the Executive Vice President, Global Head of Digital Capabilities, Transformation, and Operations at American Express.
