Connection and Compassion: The Not-So-Soft Skills That Drive Success

In the fast-paced world of business, connection and compassion are often relegated to the back burner, seen as "soft skills" that don’t really contribute to the bottom line. But let me tell you, these so-called "soft" skills are anything but. In fact, connection and compassion might just be the secret ingredients that separate successful leaders and teams from the rest of the pack.

The Power of Connection

Humans are wired for connection. We crave it. And when we feel genuinely connected to those we work with, it’s like unlocking a new level of productivity and engagement. In our research for our book, "You, Me, We" found that people who feel connected at work, and in life, are more engaged, productive, and creative. And guess what? They’re also more likely to stick around at their current job.

#Connection isn’t just a feel-good bonus; it’s a critical factor in job satisfaction, cooperation, and trust. When we feel connected, we’re more likely to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. It’s a simple equation: Connection = Better Performance.

The Power of Compassion

Now, let’s talk about compassion. Far from being a sign of weakness, compassion is a strength—a powerful tool that helps us navigate the complexities of workplace relationships. Compassion allows us to see the humanity in others, to understand their perspectives, and to respond with empathy.

Compassionate leaders are better at resolving conflicts, building strong relationships, and inspiring trust and loyalty. They’re also more effective at holding themselves and others accountable for the results that are expected. It’s the "and" that matters—compassion and accountability go hand in hand. When we lead with compassion, we create environments where people feel valued, respected, and safe—environments where they can thrive while still delivering on their commitments.

Three Tips for Fostering Connection and Compassion In-Person

1. Start Meetings with "Ripples and Joys": This is a habit we adopted at SkyeTeam nearly 10 years ago, and it's still going strong. It's as simple as creating space for connection to occur by beginning your meetings with brief sharing sessions where team members talk about recent successes or something that brought them joy. This builds trust and rapport, making the team feel more connected right from the start. As one CEO asked "You mean I have to start my meetings with 3 minutes of small talk?" why yes you do - and he did, calling it "Mark's Three Minutes of Banter". All joking aside, it transformed his team to such an extent that all leaders now start their meetings with "Mark's Three Minutes of Banter".
2. Create Spaces for Spontaneous Interaction: Encourage spontaneous, casual interactions—whether it’s in a shared break room, over coffee, or a quick chat in the hallway. These small moments can lead to stronger relationships and a more cohesive team.
3. Lead by Example: Show compassion in your daily interactions. Whether it’s offering help to a colleague in need or just listening to someone’s concerns, your actions will set the tone for the entire team.

Three Tips for Fostering Connection and Compassion in Hybrid/Remote Workplaces

1. Take a "Walk and Talk" Meeting: One of the things I love to do is to have a conversation with a colleague or client while I walk. Talk about efficiency! Instead of defaulting to endless Zoom meetings with cameras on, try building connection through a simple phone call while walking. This not only gets you moving but also allows for deep listening and more natural conversation, often leading to more meaningful connections.
2. Host Virtual "Office Hours": Set up designated times each week where team members can drop in for casual, unscheduled conversations with you or other leaders. This creates an open-door policy in a remote environment, allowing for spontaneous interactions and the opportunity to discuss anything that might be on their minds.
3. Check In Regularly: Don’t just check in on what your team is doing; check in on how they’re doing. Regularly ask your team members how they’re feeling and if there’s anything they need—show them that you care about them as people, not just employees.

Connection and compassion aren’t just feel-good buzzwords—they’re essential components of a thriving workplace. By fostering these "not-so-soft" skills, you’ll create an environment where people are more engaged, innovative, and loyal. And the best part? It’s not just about being a better leader; it’s about being a better human. So, let’s start taking connection and compassion seriously. After all, when you focus on people first, success naturally follows.

Do share your tips for fostering connection & compassion in your relationships, at work and in life. I'd love to hear from you!

P.S. We invite you to complete your complimentary Ally Mindset Profile here!