connection – Reimagine. Strategy.

October 21, 2024October 21, 2024

Make an Effort to Belong

When we are transitioning to a new version of ourselves (or our organization is doing so), part of the struggle is figuring out where we now fit.

Last week, I referenced two strong books that focus on the “art and science of belonging.” A third one we discussed at Wiser by Choice on Friday is called The Courage to Be Disliked. Although I can’t recommend this title as strongly, this passage stood out for me: “A sense of belonging is something that one acquires through one own’s efforts — it is not something one is endowed with…” (p. 171)

October 14, 2024October 21, 2024

Even Weak is Strong

It’s book club week, and we’re talking about Belonging and Connection. I thought I’d give you a teaser here, because a couple of the books on this topic have taken up residence in my imagination.

Two of the titles we’ll be reviewing, by Jon Levy and Kasley Killam, both have “the art and science of connection” in their titles. Both are about the importance of “social fitness” as a powerful determinant of health, arguing we should pay it as much attention as we would to our physical and mental fitness. Levy writes, “The fundamental element that defines the quality of our lives is the people we surround ourselves with, and the conversations we have with them.”

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024

Craving Connection

I’m just back from a long overdue in-person gathering of facilitators from 22 countries and my cup is full.

You probably don’t need me to tell you about the importance of social connections to our wellbeing. A robust network of strong, medium and weak ties are critical to people’s happiness. (I was going to link to articles here to prove this point, but there are honestly too many. Ask ChatGPT). Loneliness is bad for us.

September 25, 2023

How are Groups Faring?

This past week, I was asked how Boards and other groups are faring without having met very often in person over the past several years. It’s an important question when it comes to making wiser decisions faster. Here are the highlights of my answer:

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023

My Modern Elder Academy Experience

I am someone who LOVES having something on the calendar to look forward to — usually a trip.

One of the trips I’ve been most looking forward to, for several years in fact, was a visit to Modern Elder Academy (MEA) to spend time with Chip Conley and learn more on the topic of “Wise Leadership.”