Creating Connection: The Power of Feeling Welcome

The Epidemic of Disconnection

In today’s world, we face an epidemic of disconnection. Loneliness, avoidance, and procrastination have become pervasive as people struggle to engage in life, collaborate, and innovate. Because of this, I am guiding you through a year of learning how to create connection. Connection is essential not just for individuals but for entire communities.

The Bravely Connected Method

Drawing on 25 years of experience working with the concept that belonging creates resilience, I developed the Bravely Connected Method. This method applies to homes, schools, community development, and workplaces. It’s about bravely reconnecting with one another in a world where many have forgotten how to do so. The stats shared by a school I’m working with reveal that students are struggling with feelings of belonging and making friends—issues that aren’t just limited to children but affect adults as well.

We’ve become so behaviour-focused that we’ve lost touch with our humanity. The need to achieve results and meet targets often overshadows the importance of making others feel welcome. This behaviour-based culture has led to a more disconnected society. But by returning to the principles of hospitality and welcome, we can begin to create environments where people feel they belong.

The Importance of Welcome

Feeling welcome is crucial, yet it’s something many struggle with. A friend recently shared with me her anxiety about attending events, fearing that she wouldn’t feel welcome. This fear isn’t unique; it’s something we all experience, whether we’re walking into a room full of strangers or returning home after a long day. It’s a fear deeply rooted in our human experience.

When our children come home or walk into our classrooms, do they feel welcomed? Or are they bombarded with questions and expectations? Creating a welcoming environment means allowing people to settle in, feel a part of the group, and not feel micromanaged. This applies not only to our homes and schools, but to our workplaces. When people feel welcome, they’re more likely to engage, connect, and thrive.

How to create welcoming environments

1. Physical Environment Matters

The physical environment plays a significant role in making people feel welcome. My husband, who owns a renovation company, often says that “colors make moods.” Changing the colors in our home made a noticeable difference during a time of conflict and crisis. While I’m not suggesting that you need to do a complete overhaul reno of your home, workplace, or classroom, but I am emphasizing the importance of creating a cozy and inviting space. It doesn’t require a lot of money, just intentionality in making your environment feel welcoming.

2. The Power of Team Huddles

In both classrooms and workplaces, starting the day with a team huddle can set a positive tone. A simple exercise like going around the circle and sharing one word that describes how you feel can create a sense of connection and belonging. Well-crafted questions that encourage people to reflect on their achievements and strengths can help shift the focus from what’s lacking to what’s been accomplished. These huddles not only connect the group but also allow leaders to identify and nurture individual strengths.

3. Generosity in Welcome

Generosity is another key element of creating a welcoming environment. This isn’t about grand gestures or spending money, but rather about giving people the best experience you can. For example, as a business owner, my strategy is to make people feel alive and valued. Whether through social media, community engagement, school trainings, and programs like the Dream Academy, or events like our upcoming mastermind retreat in Mexico, my goal is to provide an amazing experience.

Imagine if teachers and managers adopted this mindset—focusing on seeing and valuing their students or employees each day. A simple word of encouragement or a moment of recognition can go a long way in making someone feel welcome and appreciated.

Designing Peaks, Pits, and Transitions

As leaders, whether in the home, classroom, or workplace, we are the designers of experiences. We can create peaks—moments of high engagement and connection—as well as manage transitions, which can be challenging for many. Even the pits, those difficult moments that inevitably arise, can be opportunities for growth, resilience, and deeper connection if we handle them thoughtfully.

Conclusion: The Journey of Connection

Creating connection is a journey that requires intentionality and courage. By focusing on the physical environment, incorporating team huddles, and practicing generosity, we can create spaces where people feel welcome, valued, and connected. As we continue this journey throughout the year, remember that connection starts with making others feel seen and included. Stay bravely connected, and let’s keep building these vital connections together.

Want my weekly tips for brave connections this year delivered right to your inbox every Sunday? Join my VIP’s who get FREE resource every week by clicking here and saying, “Sign me up!”