The intention of this module is to establish practices to cultivate meaningful, long-term professional relationships.

Answering the following questions will help you determine the relevancy of this module for you at this time.

If you answer No to ONE of these questions, then you are likely to find the module pertinent. If you answer Yes to these questions, consider a quick scan of this module before moving directly to another unit, like Determining Direction.

  • Do you have high quality connections? 
  • Can you make people feel like they matter? 
  • When you are with someone, do you give your undivided attention?
  • Can you stop yourself from interrupting?
  • Have you created professional probing questions? 
  • Do you initiate contacting people in order to build your community?

Learning Outcome

At the end of this module, you should be able to: 

  • Explore how to build meaningful, long term community/professional relationships. 

Learning Activities

Introduction

How do you build strong, lasting connections?

This module focuses on High-Quality Connections (HQCs)—defined by Dutton (2003) as mutual positive regard, trust, and active engagement. HQCs foster lasting professional relationships and increase willingness to help each other. Opportunities often arise through a strong network, not just from senior leaders but from peers in roles of interest. 

Building HQCs is a long-term, intentional practice. People are more likely to hire or recommend those they know, like, and trust—this is the core of the hidden job market. 

This module includes two scenarios that highlight the power of quality connections.

If you've started the Connecting With Community module and 26-WEEK Challenge, consider adding actions like:

Week 18: Create list of targeted open-ended questions
Week 19: Use questions and listen without mentally preparing a reply
Week 20: Reflect on conversations for key points
Week 21: Follow-up with new contacts with a personal note

As Brené Brown says, “Connection is why we’re here... It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives” (TED, 2010).

Next, continue on to Activity: Developing High Quality Connections

Last modified: Monday, 16 June 2025, 5:35 PM