We are all connected and not here to go it alone

"Eventually everything connects-people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connection is the key to quality per se." Charles Eames.

Yesterday I had coffee & lunch with someone I've not seen for a good 10 years. She'd reached out on a whim after seeing I'd launched a blog and realised that all those things we had in common all those years ago are still there. But our stories were intertwined and the similarity and connection was stronger than ever. This isn't the first time I've done this but it made me realise a few things.

The connections we own, cultivate or create are ours. One connection leads to new roads, new stories or new ideas. When you open up, it allows you to welcome others with open arms. One coffee, one connection, one call can lead to introductions or possible collaboration.

It's all connected. Somehow. Whether you create or attract these connections, they happen for a reason. Through chatting yesterday we realised that what we are experiencing is not uncommon. We are redefining. And we need connection to do it. There was also a pivotal moment where we realised it's important to let go of others as she bumped into someone she knew through work.

Picking up the phone, writing an email, a letter, maybe a text or a direct message. It's the easiest thing in the world. You may not realise how much people need to hear from you. If you connect on linked- in for example, let people know why. If you're looking at profiles, let people know why. By getting the ball rolling on that connection, you never know what might happen.

The world is far more than effective communication. Especially right now. So many job specs still mark communication as a vital component. When Microsoft 365 launch Co-Pilot you'll have some thing driving, enhancing and assisting communication. The fundamental skill is connection. It's connecting at a human level to make things happen not just now but in the future. These connections form part of your future squad in some way. Connection allows you to visualise, imagine and potentially expand your possibilities outside of the realm of what you think it should be.

Connection can be a little scary for some. Me included. But by thinking about who you're connecting with and the questions you really want to ask them, you'll be surprised at how much comes back in terms of genuine value generating thought. Deep down we desire connection and we really do need it. Ultimately we may be more connected to people than we think- the 6 degrees of separation is a great one to try and unravel.

It can also be super scary when you've spent some time in the metaphorical pit. Connection is that lift and most certainly a perspective-giver. It allows that exploration of life outside the pit but equally a great view of the pit itself and why you simply can't stay in it too long. It gives you routes out. Most importantly it sheds light.

Connection is so much more than exchanging information- in the words of the Dalai Lama, help others where you can and if you can't, don't hurt them. The quality of that connection is vital and a sure route to happiness. For both of you. Explore those links & know they are intrinsic to shaping our futures. After all, we are all "linked-in."