Issue 24: Today’s Brew: More Than Colleagues — The Leadership Value of Real Connection at Work
☕ Brewed for Leaders Who Care
Espresso & Empathy — Issue 24
By: Shannon Foster
Founder & Senior Consultant, Martin & Foster Consulting
August 13, 2025
Why Connection at Work Matters More Than We Realize
When we think about work, we often talk about projects, deadlines, and performance goals.
But when we look back on our careers, the moments we remember most rarely involve spreadsheets or strategic plans.
We remember the people.
The inside jokes, the shared challenges, the small kindnesses that got us through hard days.
And here’s the truth: those relationships aren’t just a bonus — they’re a leadership priority.
The Leadership Case for Connection
Strong workplace relationships don’t just make people feel good — they make organizations stronger.
When people trust and care about each other, they:
Communicate more openly and effectively
Offer help without being asked
Show greater resilience during challenges
Stay longer because they feel they belong
Connection fuels trust, and trust fuels performance. Without it, even the best strategies can fall flat.
How Leaders Can Foster Real Relationships
Meaningful workplace relationships don’t happen by accident. Leaders set the tone by making connection a daily practice, not an afterthought.
Try these actions:
Make space for humanity in the workday — Begin meetings with a quick personal check-in, not just agenda items.
Celebrate more than achievements — Recognize effort, progress, and personal milestones.
Lead by example — Share appropriately about your own life and challenges to invite authentic conversation.
Create moments of togetherness — Lunches, team walks, or even a five-minute break to talk about something non-work related.
Acknowledge people’s impact — Tell someone directly how they’ve made your workday or career better.
A Leadership Self-Reflection
Ask yourself:
Do I know something meaningful about each person on my team?
When was the last time I expressed genuine gratitude to a colleague?
Have I created space for my team to connect beyond the task list?
Final Thoughts
The truth is, none of us knows how much time we’ll have with the people we work alongside.
That’s why it’s worth investing in relationships now — while we have the chance.
As leaders, we can create cultures where people feel valued for more than what they produce, and where connection isn’t something we hope for — it’s something we build every day.
Because when we focus on the people, not just the work, we create workplaces where both can thrive.