What we are missing is connection!

As I have been launching this adventure, Sowles Consulting, I have been spending a lot of time meeting with businesspeople, researching and learning.  I knew when I first began planning my business, I had to reach out to other business owners for advice, guidance and support.  It was a natural progression to launch my business to begin connecting with as many people in the business world as I could.  The purpose of the connections to share my vision and services, but also to learn about different businesses and gain insight to improve.

I recently had the pleasure of listening the Ginger Johnson speak on connecting at a WESO meeting.  As people we have to take the time to really learn about others, listen to their story and engage in a meaningful way.  Many of the challenges facing our world today are a result of lack of connection.

Employees are starving for connections within their workplaces.  They want to find a work culture they fit into and feel a part of.  Employees desire a shared purpose, shared goals and shared values.  They want to connect with their supervisors, peers and company.  Despite the myth, employees are actually staying at jobs longer (not shorter) on average than they ever have before.   I think the biggest difference, when employees don’t fit in, don’t feel included, don’t share a vision, they are speaking up not just disappearing.

It is vitally important to create connections on all levels of your organization between co-workers, supervisors and management.  It is the responsibility of management and owners to create a culture where connections are a priority.  If that means scheduling a dedicated time, to check in with staff on all levels, that’s what needs to happen.  Creating mentorship or buddy programs can help begin those connections.  The culture sets the tone, if management is taking the time to engage with workers outside of a direct reporting, employees will see the precedent.  But most importantly, connecting isn’t always easy, but finding a natural way to include it in your day will make a huge difference to employees, customers and the company as a whole.

If you need ideas or guidance to connect within your organization contact Sowles Consulting to help create the culture that will make your company thrive.