Have you ever received an unexpected call that completely brightened your day? This week, I experienced one of those moments that reminded me of the power of genuine human connection in our increasingly digital world.
It was a typical evening at home. I was preparing for an upcoming speaking engagement while watching the Charlotte FC soccer match on TV, proudly wearing my team jersey. As I focused on my notes and occasionally glanced at the game, my phone lit up with an incoming FaceTime call.
When Someone Simply Wants You There
The caller was Keith Williams, a much younger colleague who was at the stadium watching our team win. He wasn’t calling with work questions or professional matters—he was simply wondering where I was. He wished I could be there experiencing the victory alongside him and our other colleagues.
That simple gesture of inclusion meant everything to me. While I couldn’t be at the match in person, Keith’s call made me feel present and valued. It bridged the physical gap between us and created a moment of connection that transcended the distance.
This small act got me thinking about what truly matters in our professional relationships. We often focus on:
- Meeting deadlines and achieving targets
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Networking for career advancement
- Developing technical skills and expertise
But sometimes, we overlook the most fundamental human need: to feel seen, included, and cared about by others.
The Gift of Being Thought Of
There’s something profoundly moving about knowing someone is thinking of you when you’re not around. It wasn’t that Keith needed anything from me. He simply wanted to share his experience and wished I could be part of it.
In our busy professional lives, we rarely take time for these spontaneous connections. We schedule meetings, send formal emails, and organize structured team-building activities. But those unplanned moments of genuine connection often create the strongest bonds.
Knowing others just genuinely care about us and are willing to let us know, that’s about as good as it gets.
I’ve been fortunate to work with many outstanding professionals throughout my career. From my first business turnaround at age 28 to leading companies like Bizjournals.com, I’ve collaborated with talented individuals who’ve helped shape my professional journey.
But the colleagues I value most aren’t necessarily those with the most impressive credentials or technical skills. They’re the ones who make work feel like more than just work—the ones who create a sense of belonging and community.
Building Meaningful Workplace Connections
How can we foster these kinds of authentic relationships in our professional lives? I believe it starts with small, genuine gestures:
- Reaching out without an agenda
- Remembering personal details about colleagues’ lives
- Including others in experiences, even when they can’t physically be present
- Expressing appreciation for someone’s presence, not just their productivity
These actions might seem minor, but they create the foundation for meaningful workplace relationships that enhance both our professional effectiveness and personal fulfillment.
The most successful teams I’ve led weren’t just skilled—they genuinely cared about each other. That caring translated into better collaboration, more innovation, and greater resilience during challenging times.
As leaders, we should model and encourage these connections. While formal team-building has its place, authentic moments of connection can’t be manufactured or scheduled. They happen when we create a culture where people feel comfortable reaching out to each other simply because they care.
So today, I’m grateful for Keith and all my colleagues with whom I get to work. I’m thankful for that unexpected FaceTime call and the reminder of what truly matters in our professional relationships.
Who are you grateful for in your professional life? And more importantly, when was the last time you let them know?
