Proven Strategies to Improve Communication, Foster Connection, and Strengthen Relationships at Work and at Home.
Let’s talk about relationships. Not just the romantic, chocolates-and-flowers kind (though those are nice), but the ones that really fuel your life—your connection with yourself, your people, your colleagues, and even your clients. They’re the secret sauce to personal fulfillment and professional success.
This February, I’m inviting you to hit pause on the hustle and bustle for a minute and think about how you’re showing up in all your relationships. Because let’s face it: even the best connections need a little TLC now and then.
Start With You
Here’s the deal: You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t build meaningful relationships if you’re not in a good relationship with yourself. (Yes, I just went full self-help guru on you, but it’s true.)
Take some time to check in with you. How are you feeling? What’s on your mind? What do you need right now? Maybe it’s a little quiet time, a journaling session, or just five minutes to sip your coffee before the chaos of the day kicks in.
My January was spent checking in with myself, and it was well worth the time! I focused on a few areas where I was feeling stuck and unlocked how to shift my mindset to move forward. I even aligned a non-negotiable that had been causing me frustration and added a time block to my calendar to create space for creativity.
Pro tip: Be as kind to yourself as you would be to your best friend. Your inner dialogue matters more than you think.
Once you’ve filled your own cup, it’s time to pour into the people who matter most.
Connect With Your People
You know those friends and family members you keep meaning to call? Or the ones you text “Let’s catch up soon!” but then life happens? Make this the month you actually do it.
Here’s a little challenge: The next time you’re with someone, put down your phone, look them in the eye, and really listen. Ask them a curious question—like what’s lighting them up right now, or what show they’re secretly obsessed with.
This is one of the things I love most about my tribe! When we meet for coffee to catch up or for a collaboration meeting in our businesses, the phones remain tucked away, and we are fully present. We are immersed in the present, in life, and experiencing every minute.
Trust me, those little moments of connection go a long way.
Make Work Relationships Less… Awkward
Let’s be real—workplace relationships can sometimes feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. But they don’t have to. Building trust with your colleagues (yes, even the one who eats loudly during Zoom calls) can make all the difference.
Start by creating space for everyone’s voice to be heard. Whether it’s in a team meeting or a casual conversation, show that you value their perspective. And when it comes to sharing information, don’t just toss out the facts—connect the dots. Help your team see how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
I have to admit, creating space is more difficult than it sometimes seems. I get so excited about the topic or the research I’ve done and tend to jump in too quickly. This makes my team shut down and feel unheard. My team knows they have full permission to call me on it (or put me on mute!) to allow everyone to be heard. The best solutions come when we pull from everyone’s ideas and superpowers—not just one person’s.
Oh, and a quick reminder: Your non-verbal cues speak louder than words. So, next time you’re on a video call, sit up straight, make eye contact with the camera (yep, the little dot), and for the love of all things professional, resist the urge to multitask.
Don’t Forget About Your Clients
If you’re in business, your clients and customers are the heartbeat of what you do. You might be several layers removed from direct contact with your customers, and that’s okay—this is still critical.
Take time to really understand your clients’ and customers’ needs and challenges. (Hint: This usually requires more listening than talking.)
Share stories that resonate with them, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some humor or personal anecdotes. People connect with people, not perfect robots.
If you are removed from direct contact, schedule time with those who are talking with your customers every day. Dive into how your role directly impacts them. Without you, they’d have a missing piece, and it’s important for you to recognize your value to them.
Ultimately, when you understand the impact of your role, you don’t just serve your clients—you become indispensable to their success.
Your Secret Weapon
Now, if you’re wondering how to level up your connection game even more, I’ve got you covered. I created a free guide called Connect with IMPACT that’s packed with tips to help you foster inclusion, craft meaningful messages, and become a pro at active listening.
Think of it as your cheat sheet to building relationships like a boss.
Click Here to Download the Guide
Wrapping It Up (With a Virtual Hug)
Relationships make the world go ‘round—and they don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re focusing on yourself, strengthening personal bonds, or creating magic at work, every little effort adds up.
So, here’s my challenge for you: Pick one small thing you can do this week to show up more intentionally in your relationships. Maybe it’s sending a thoughtful text, practicing active listening, or finally taking that break you’ve been putting off.
Imagine how much lighter, more fulfilling, and connected your life could feel with just a little intentionality. What’s stopping you from starting today?
You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
