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It is human nature to desire a connection to others and to purpose.

The problem is, the last few years have wreaked havoc with many of those natural connections and, today, people are trying to find their way back.

How do you reconnect?

Take the initiative.

Connecting with others is not easy. It takes leadership and courage to reach out to others. It means overcoming insecurities and taking risks; but it also leads to rewarding new relationships. So, yes, be the one who takes the initiative.

Invite your co-workers to lunch. Say hello to your neighbors. Call that friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Talk to your team members. Invite a relative to dinner.

Find common interests.

If you have a hobby, for instance, connect with others who enjoy that hobby as well. You not only will enjoy the connection; you also will learn from them as they will learn from you. If you enjoy a certain sport, join a team. If you are an entrepreneur, seek out other entrepreneurs for camaraderie and support. If you are a leader, connect with your peers to share ideas and grow together.

Connect with other personalities.

While connections are often forged on commonalities; they can also bridge across interesting differences. A very driven D-wired person may benefit from the calmness and detail of an S-wired person; while the S-wired person, motivated by the D-wired person, may reach more of their potential. A C-wired person may benefit from the spontaneity, fun, and creativity of an I-wired friend; while the I-wired person may benefit from the grounding of their C-wired friend.

Connect across generations.

With a multi-generational workforce, there is ample opportunity for generational connection. This gives an unprecedented level of insight, and a combination of strengths and experience that have the potential to benefit teams and organizations in ways not seen before. Connection here comes with mutual respect and a desire to learn from each other and to understand what is important to each person.

Leave your world and enter theirs.

Even the most quiet, introverted person in the room has something that is a passion for them. If you ask about that thing, they could go on for hours. If you make it your goal to leave your world and enter theirs, you will both be richer for it.

If you’re a grandparent, you know what I mean. You find yourself joining in on your grandchild’s imaginative journeys. You slay the dragons, build the castles, race the cars, and explore new adventures. And you both walk away with a connection that is a lifelong bond. You have made them feel loved and valued; and they have made you forget, just for a time, the cares of the adult world.

Connect on values.

You may come from different parts of the world. One person may have been raised in the city; another in the country. Blue collar work, white collar work, no collar work. Introverted and extroverted. Connections can happen, with these differences, if you share common values. When you share values, you share purpose.

In his book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, John C. Maxwell underscores the importance of connecting with others.

What will you do today to forge a new connection?

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!