Reunited, and it feels so good
The power of in-person connection
I’m definitely a people person.
(Shocker, I know.)
What I mean is that I generally like people. I’m fascinated by what motivates them, love discovering (and sharing with them) their special spark, and enjoy learning what makes them tick.
But I especially like my people.
You know someone is your kinda people when you feel better after spending time together rather than depleted. (No thanks, energy vampires!)
And I hadn’t realized how much I missed being around my people until recently when I was fortunate enough to get several doses in close succession.
It started last month with a “sistah” weekend, where my two sisters, best friend (who is really like the fourth sister in our family, thus the descriptor), and I gathered.
We didn’t have any grand plans — meals, hikes, and mani/pedis — but having the chance to have uninterrupted quality time together was magical, especially given everyone’s crazy schedules.
Then, a few weeks ago, I jumped on a plane to join a group I hadn’t seen for two years (stupid pandemic!) but had met up with annually for the five years prior: my No Longer Virtual* pals.
My friend Sarah Elkins organizes this amazing mastermind-like cohort of smart, savvy, accomplished professionals (think: keynote and TEDx speakers, authors, podcasters, and all-around rockstars). They share their wisdom freely and deeply support each other, successfully moving from online friendships to real life. And let me tell you, I’ve made genuine connections with this crew and will ALWAYS attend this gathering.
And last weekend, I met up with my husband (my favorite person) in New York to enjoy three Broadway shows, two of which had been postponed multiple times since 2020. It reminded me why I love live performances: the energy between the artists and the audience is intoxicating — and addictive. We had so much fun together and are already planning our next visit.
To say my proverbial cup is overflowing would be an understatement.
And that, my friends, is the awesome power of in-person connection. It’s undeniable, fostering an incredible sense of belonging and camaraderie you’ll want to replicate.
The good news is you can.
Here’s how to extend that warm, fuzzy feeling to your professional colleagues by mastering the art of connection:
1. Focus on your awareness
It’s not enough to know how you move through the world; you need to understand how your energy affects others — does the mood improve or dampen when you walk in the room?
2. Actively listen
You can’t connect with someone if you’re always talking. Active listening demonstrates respect and builds trust. People will naturally align themselves with leaders who make them feel heard and understood.
3. Give others your undivided attention
We connect more easily to those we trust, and offering others our undivided attention fosters that trust. Resist the temptation to multitask, set down your phone, and focus on eye contact.
4. Put yourself in their shoes
It’s hard to connect with someone if you don’t appreciate their perspective. Using empathy to see things from someone else’s point of view helps you better understand and relate to their situation, fostering greater connection.
5. Share more than just the wins
People respect and connect to those who also share their struggles. When you openly share challenges and how you found your way out of them, you bring a refreshing realness and relatability to your communications, endearing you to others.
6. Don’t be afraid to be human
One of the best ways to connect with others is to be human, which means finding the courage to be vulnerable. When we’re brave enough to ask for help, we model vulnerability as a strength, creating a culture and environment of openness and collaboration, enhancing connection.
7. Value relationships over transactions
It’s hard to connect with people when they feel like they don’t matter. Put people first, seeing them as human beings rather than a means to an end of a task.
The all-too-prevalent “hustle, grind, repeat” mentality doesn’t just impede connection; it can also prevent career progress.
Unfortunately, many eager professionals follow that formula, wearing their busyness like a badge of honor and treading on a never-ending professional hamster wheel.
But there’s a better (albeit counterintuitive) way to get ahead: slowing down and taking a break.
In my latest Forbes article, I share five reasons why the “power of the pause” is your secret career weapon.
🚨BONUS ARTICLE ALERT🚨
ICYMI, in my recent Forbes article, I shared why when you do these six things, you won’t need a professional four-leafed clover; you’ll make your own career luck.
Shine on,
Amy
P.S. Now that we’re inbox-exclusive (love that about us!), why not follow my musings across the interwebs on Forbes, LinkedIn (be sure to hit the 🔔 in the top right corner of my profile to get notified when I post!), Twitter, and Instagram too?
P.P.S If you really want to get meta, subscribe to my new weekly LinkedIn newsletter, m o m e n t u m, featuring insights to help you maintain positive motion and continually grow your career. As a bonus, it links to ALL of my content for the week, so you’ll never miss a thing and keep the momentum going! (See what I did there? 😉)
P.P.P.S. When I’m not writing this newsletter or gleefully mopping up after my overflowing cup, I’m a social media ghostwriter. (Yep, that’s a thing). I help founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs craft their stories to communicate and connect better by magnifying their reach and impact. (Think personal branding and thought leadership.) Learn more here.
P.P.P.P.S. You have great taste in newsletters, my friend—thanks for subscribing! You are subscribed, right? If not, let’s fix that; click the blue button.
While you’re at it, be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends using the button below. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!
*If No Longer Virtual sounds like something you’d be interested in attending next year, please reach out to Sarah directly and check out her website for more info.