Karl Edwards presents Working Matters

Tag: connections

  • Listen In -> The Hard Facts of Working with People #4: People Need to Connect and Belong

    While some people prefer to work alone than in a group, all people need to be a part of a working community of other people.

    The rare bird who is a true loner would most likely not work for a company, opting instead for some sort of independent structure.

    This week’s show is about the hard fact that people need to connect and belong.

    We need to belong to a community with a mission that is larger than ourselves. We need to be an integral part of making that mission succeed. (Remember the hard fact about making a difference?)

    There is simply no escaping the reality that this process includes working with others. But working with others runs deeper than the functional necessity of most tasks requiring more than one person to complete them.

    Working together involves a process of connecting and belonging that is core to being human.

    Keep roles and responsibilities anonymous and impersonal at your own risk. Want to know why?

    Listen in.

    Just now joining the conversation? Catch up on the entire series here.

  • Loving Monday: Networking as Refreshment

    loving_mondayI just returned from a networking/learning event in Vegas. Blogworld Expo. A mix of bloggers, podcasters, new media start-ups, advertisers, internet techies, and those who would make their fortune off of us.

    Networking as a marketing strategy is, of course, a must. But for the busy and the more introverted of us, it can be a chore.

    But what about networking as refreshment?

    NetworkingHere’s what I mean… or rather, here’s what I experienced.

    When I travel to an industry event two dynamics take place. One, I get away from my day to day context. And two, I am in the company of those who more easily recognize and appreciate my abilities.

    Getting away from my day to day context enables me to take a step back and get some perspective. Unlike a vacation, though, the different perspectives I encounter at an industry event are within my professional context without being my own context. It’s refreshing and invigorating for me to be challenged by the successes and failures of others. I learn. I reflect. I discover new resources, connections and methods.

    Being in the company of those with similar skill sets boosts my confidence. I don’t get the blank stares. I don’t have to explain what I do. I don’t have to defend my involvement, in this case, with new media. The conversation is energizing and catalytic. Our relational starting point is one of mutual respect, understanding, and support.

    How and when the business benefits of networking manifest themselves will probably always be somewhat of a mystery to me. But the only way to meet the people with whom there may be a valuable business connection, is to meet a lot of people with whom we will never do business.

    Meeting those people can be a chore. Better though is when meeting those people can be a source of refreshment.

    I come to work today refreshed.

  • Thought Leaders Unpacked -> Integrity #4: Building Trust Through Connection

    thought-leadersRight off the bat we encounter a make-or-break chapter.

    “Please don’t make me face the fact that all those production resources out there walking around are distinct human persons.” “You can’t possibly expect me to take into account everyone’s feelings when making complex business decisions.”

    Integrity, by Henry CloudI have long suspected that many leaders secretly resent the fact that they can’t do everything themselves and have to rely on others to make things happen.

    But the reality these leaders must face is that their teams are, in fact, made up of human persons who function out of inner motivations, personal desires, and their own subjective perceptions. My term for this reality is, “The hard facts of working with people.” People are not the soft side of business in any way, shape, or form!

    Here is my key take-away from this chapter: There is a measurable and substantial difference between getting people’s compliance and winning their hearts.

    What sort of results are you hoping to obtain? We’re not talking about being liked. We’re talking about getting results. Making a difference. Making things happen. Meeting goals. Achieving great things.

    Is learning empathy on your leadership development curriculum? One of your personal goals?

    If we cannot relationally or emotionally connect with our team members, we cannot build the trust that sustained, focused, and passionate work efforts require. We undermine our own effectiveness. We sabotage our own results.

    What was your main take-away from this chapter? What is your learning edge when it comes to building trust with others?

    Each Friday I post my reflections from one chapter of Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud. If you are just joining the discussion now, welcome! Catch up on the entire series here.

  • 25 Words That Connect Us: Group Writing Project

    I see you.

    Not for what you might do for me…

    or to me.

    I see you…

    want to know you…

    change the world together.

    This post is part of Liz Strauss’ 25 Words That Connect Us Project. Thanks Liz for another inspirational project.


  • Listen In -> Uncertainty & Stress #5: Stay Connected to Your Relational Network

    If you were to lose your job, how surprised would your network of acquaintances be to hear from you?

    What if you were already in conversation with a wide circle of people on an on-going basis?

    In our series on Uncertainty and Stress, Claudia and I conclude with a look at the value of maintaining casual relationships.

    No special skills are necessary. No massive investment of time is required. Just you at your most natural, authentic and comfortable self, taking an occasional initiative to check in with those in your circles.

    Talk about something you can do to reduce your own stress levels!

    Listen in.

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    Catch up on the entire series on Uncertainty and Stress.