For too long, workplace friendships have been left to chance. Yet the research is clear: feeling connected to our colleagues elevates productivity, reduces turnover, and fosters better teamwork.
Ron Friedman, author, founder of ignite80
Takeaways of Note:
3 evidence-based strategies to leverage the science of close connections:
1. Use commonalities to spark friendships – make it easier for employees to identify commonalities (i.e. introduce new team members by their personal interests and encourage inquiring about personal interests)
2. Highlight shared goals – team members who view colleagues as essential to their success build closer friendships, have fewer disagreements, and view their work as more meaningful (i.e. highlight collaborations, publicly thank contributors, emphasize team-wide goals)
3. Turn tension into connection – do more than defuse conflict — use relationship-building statements to turn tense moments into deeper connections (i.e. recommit to the partnership, acknowledge partner’s contributions, value their expertise)