Connection is a basic human need, closely linked to our sense of belonging.
There’s plenty of research showing that living without connection isn’t just unpleasant — it’s damaging. Studies in psychology and neuroscience show that isolation affects our brain and body chemistry (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Cacioppo, 2008), and that loneliness can shorten our lifespan as much as smoking or obesity (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010).
At the other end of the spectrum, decades of research — from the Harvard Study of Adult Development to modern happiness studies — all point to one clear truth: the strongest predictor of a good life is our connections and the quality of our relationships.
Building strong connections in teams is one of the basic requirements for skillful collaboration.
These days, strong connections between teammates and their team leader are often referred to as psychological safety — put simply, when people feel safe to speak up (with their concerns or their ideas), they’re practicing psychological safety, or in other words, a strong connection and relationship.
In recent weeks, I’ve been reaching out and making many new connections.
When your mission is helping teams everywhere build the human skills of collaboration, connection isn’t optional — it’s necessary.
But even though I know about the benefits of connecting, reaching out to connect isn’t always easy for me.
My inner voice constantly jibes me with: Maybe I’ll be ignored? Maybe I’ll be rejected? Maybe I’ll be criticized or ridiculed?
But I’m learning to accept the uncomfortable emotions that accompany those jibes…
With the help of my brilliant coach: “Ah, hello rejection! How are you doing there? Fine… now let me get on with being me.”
And actually, I’ve received very few rejections. And when I did, that’s really okay. The Skillful Collaboration offering won’t suit every team, every leader, or every organization.
But for some, it’s really starting to resonate and gain momentum.
From some of my recent connections, I’ve received feedback like:
“Wow, this is really interesting!”
“I want to do this with my team!”
“Yes, Nick — let’s connect, this looks amazing!”
“I’ll send this to our People & Talent team.”
Many people love to connect — to offer a helping hand up a mountain, or to join a mission together.
So yes! Let’s connect.
As the famous Harvard study highlights, creating connections leads to a good life.
And building strong connections in teams leads to Skillful Collaboration — what a gift that is!
And here’s another gift: our free Individual Skillful Collaboration Assessment Tool.
Give it a try — and let’s connect!
