How do you create strong, lasting, meaningful connections?

Do you:

  • arrive on time?
  • respond to emails and texts within 12 hours?
  • show up and give your undivided attention—undistracted by the external environment, including your cell?
  • actively listen and empathetically respond, so that people feel heard?

This module is devoted to what Dutton and colleagues call high quality connections (HQCs). "Research by Dutton has revealed the potential to create a positive spiral, whereby HQCs progressively increase how people feel about each other and their willingness to help each other” (Seibert et al., 2016, p. 255). 

Dutton (2003) defines HQCs as “...mutual positive regard, trust, and active engagement on both sides.” Fostering HQCs involves interacting with people in ways that show them that they matter. This is a lifelong practice. It is attainable and it’s learning to have patience to play the long game of investment. 

People hire people that they know, like, and trust. Furthermore, people are more apt to recommend people they know, like, and trust. In actuality, this is the hidden job market, which is touched on in the Career Search module in the Defining Resources unit.

Career and life opportunities can emerge as well as invitations to be involved in exciting innovations, programs, and projects as a result of nurturing your community/network. 

This module includes two scenarios to underscore the importance of cultivating HQCs. It is important to note that it is the quality of the connection that is significant. A HQC could be with a colleague that is working in a role that you find of interest, it does not necessarily mean an individual in a senior leadership position.

If you completed the Connecting With Community module and started the 26-WEEK Challenge, you may generate additional actions from this module to enter on your worksheet, e.g.,

  • week 18 - practice asking open-ended questions,
  • week 20 - try to listen to understand without thinking about a response, or
  • week 22 - practice listening and reflecting empathy.

Brené Brown, researcher and storyteller expresses, “Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives... What we know is that connection, the ability to feel connected is neurobiologically… how we’re wired. It’s why we are here.” (TED, 2010, 3:12)


Last modified: Thursday, 14 October 2021, 9:35 AM