Want an Edge Over the Competition? Check Out “Connection Culture”

The book Connection Culture is a concise guide that reveals how creating a workplace environment focused on connection and engagement can propel your business to success.

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When we talk about corporate culture, you probably don’t think of the band U2.

When I first got my hands on Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy And Understanding At Work by Michael Lee Stallard (@michaelstallard), I thought it was a book about leadership and corporate culture mainly for big companies.

But I was pleasantly surprised when the book started by mentioning U2 and how their commitment to a connection culture makes them act more like a living thing than just an organization.

Connection leads to success for both companies and individuals

Hey there, I’m Michael Lee Stallard, and I have a special mission – to prove that connection in the workplace is more than just some soft idea. It’s the key to success, profit, and having happy and productive employees.

Just like many other successful folks out there, I didn’t always grasp the power of connection. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized its true potential.

In my book Connection Culture, I give thanks to those who have helped me on this journey:

As I grew older, I became engrossed in the pursuit of money, power, and status, which unfortunately pushed aside the importance of relationships. It wasn’t until later in life (and after learning some hard life lessons) that I discovered our innate desire to connect.

“Connection at work is like an emotional bond that helps us trust and work together. It’s all about understanding and caring for each other, which makes us feel like we belong to a group. Without this connection, we won’t be able to reach our full potential as individuals. And if we can’t reach our potential, our organization won’t succeed either. Connection is what turns a competitive environment into a team that works together harmoniously.”

My goal with this book is to make small business owners understand the importance of connection at work. Once they realize its value, they can enjoy the benefits of having a connected workplace.

No matter how big or small your business is, it can definitely benefit from connection.

Let me tell you about this cool thing called Connection Culture. It was started by Stallard, who not only talked about it in relation to U2, but also used big organizations like Ford as examples to prove his point. Now, let’s dive into how Alan Mulally, the retired CEO of Ford, created connection within the company.

First and foremost, Mulally was all about being open, honest, and authentic. When he became CEO of Ford in 2006, he shocked everyone by honestly answering the question, What kind of car do you drive? with A Lexus, the finest car in the world. Can you imagine the silence that followed in the room? But hey, that’s what Mulally did. He believed in speaking the truth, and he expected his team to do the same.

That’s a fantastic example of how Mulally fostered a connection culture. It’s all about being real and genuine. And you know what? He didn’t stop there. He also knew the importance of creating a shared cause that was greater than oneself. That’s the secret sauce right there.

• So, how do you go about creating this shared cause?

The Importance of Connection in the Workplace

Let’s talk about the six essential needs that we, as humans, have to meet in order to feel truly connected to our work and colleagues. This connection is not just a matter of convenience or personal preference; it’s deeply rooted in psychology, sociology, and neuroscience.

• To begin, let’s discuss the six specific human needs that must be met to feel connected to work and colleagues. These needs are essential for creating a sense of belonging and engagement.
• Next, we’ll delve into the scientific case for connection. We’ll explore how psychology, sociology, and neuroscience all provide evidence for the power and impact of genuine connection in the workplace.
• Lastly, we’ll explore how you can assess your own connection style. Are you an intentional connector, deliberately seeking out and nurturing relationships? Are you an intentional disconnector, actively avoiding connection? Or are you an unintentional disconnector, unknowingly pushing others away?

Read It And Reap

Let me tell you, I see Connection Culture as just another one of those leadership books. It’s like preaching to the choir, you know?

But hey, maybe there’s something in it for those of us who already understand the power of connection and employee engagement. Maybe we’re just searching for better ways to systematize that connection and make it even stronger.

If you’re in a company that’s bossy or doesn’t care, don’t expect giving this book to your CEO on their birthday or reading it with your team to make a difference.

Connection Culture is a great book for small business owners, managers, and team leaders who already know the importance of connecting and engaging to achieve success.

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