Healing Our Workplaces through Cultures of Connection

The U.S. Surgeon General's office published a historic advisory on the importance of building cultures of connection. Check out our synopsis.

With a Little Help from My Friends

Michael Stallard reflects on how an unexpected event reminded him of the value of investing in supportive relationships.

Rekindling the Inner Flame in Others, and in Ourselves

When your inner flame begins to dim, positive connection with others can rekindle it as former Campbell's Soup CEO Doug Conant experienced.

Cultivating a Culture of Connection at Home

Connection Cultures are more than an employee engagement tool. They can also help families to thrive. Here's how.

Frances Hesselbein: A Leader of Leaders, Who Cared For People First

The late Frances Hesselbein was a legendary leader. Michael Stallard reflects on what set her apart.

7 Connection Killers to Avoid

If you want to build a Connection Culture in your organization, then you need to avoid these seven common "connection killers."

You May Be the Most Important Person in Your Co-worker’s Life

Yes, it’s true. You may be the most important person in your co-worker’s life. Here are three simple actions you can take to help them feel like they belong.

Employ Mindfulness to Give the Gifts of Connection and Contentment

Being truly present enables you to better connect with others. Michael Stallard shares a mindfulness technique that can help and the science behind it.

Connection Tip: Be Present

Want to be a better connector to grow in your career? In this video, Katie Stallard, a partner at Connection Culture Group, shares tips on being present in conversations.

Resilience Is Rooted in Human Connection

Just as trees that share root systems are more resilient, you need healthy human connection in your life to weather life's storms, writes Michael Stallard.

Extraordinary Opportunity to Win the War for Talent

With just 1 in 10 jobs considered to be a great job, employers have a tremendous opportunity to win the war for talent by taking these three steps, writes Michael Stallard.

Campbell's Turnaround Recipe: Measure Work Culture and Hold Leaders Accountable

Doug Conant's approach to leading a turnaround at Campbell's illustrates the value of using surveys to measure engagement and hold leaders accountable, writes Michael Stallard.

7 Team-Strengthening Practices from Steph Curry’s Playbook

In addition to his prowess on the basketball court, Steph Curry has a second superpower: his ability to connect. Here are 7 practices we can apply from the superstar’s playbook.

How to Inspire the Next Generation

America's youth are facing some tough challenges. Michael Stallard reflects on how individuals and institutions can help.

Reduce Mass Shootings Through Human Connection

As society grapples with how to reduce incidents of mass shootings, Michael Stallard argues that connection is part of the solution. Here's why.

Michael Stallard Appears on Beltway Broadcast Episode Hosted by Metro DC Chapter of ATD

Catch Michael Stallard's tips for supercharging your career with connection in this new episode of the Beltway Broadcast.

Now Is a Critical Time to Create an Upward Spiral of Positivity

Rising negative emotions may be contributing to the Great Resignation, but stimulating positive emotions through connection can improve engagement and performance.

I’ve Led Hybrid Teams for 15 Years – Here’s the Truth About What Works

From fostering connection to navigating in-office schedules, Randy Conley shares what works when leading hybrid teams in the workplace.

Former Best Buy CEO Discovers the “Magic” of Connection

Hubert Joly led a dramatic turnaround of Best Buy from 2012-2019. Michael Stallard explains what Joly's story illustrates about the power of connection.

Leadership’s Sacred Trust

When you accept the position of leadership, you will touch lives. That is leadership’s sacred trust, writes Wally Bock.

The Dangers of Being a Lonely Leader: What Putin's Story Illustrates

Could loneliness be playing a role in the decision making of one of today's most controversial leaders? Michael Stallard shares what the science says in a new article published by IE Insights.

Why We Long for Leaders Who Actually Care

In order to be fully engaged and stay with an organization, employees need to know that their leaders are for them and care about them as individuals.

Book Review: Simple Truths of Leadership: 52 Ways to Be a Servant Leader and Build Trust by Ken Blanchard & Randy Conley

Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley's latest book is a helpful read for leaders who care about people and care about results, writes Michael Stallard.

6 Ways Leaders Build Trust During Change

It’s critical that leaders foster a culture of trust before, during, and after a change effort if they want to have any chance of success, writes Randy Conley.

Join Michael Stallard for a Virtual Event Hosted by the Anchorage Society for Human Resource Management

Calling all HR professionals! Earn SHRM PDC and HRCI credit while learning how to address employee retention at this event featuring Michael Stallard.

Michael Stallard and Walt Rakowich Discuss Connection Culture

Walt Rakowich, author of the book Transfluence, interviewed Michael Stallard about connection's role in the success of individuals and organizations.

Hope Is What People Need from Leaders Today

As the pandemic rages on, many people are feeling discouraged. One of the most important things leaders can do is offer hope. Here's how.

Connection Culture Recommended as a Best Book for Business Leaders

Looking for some professional development reading in 2022? Wally Bock recommends the second edition of Connection Culture as a top business book pick.

What Kind of Leader Are You: Superhero or Human Being?

Superhero leaders ultimately cause problems for themselves and their teams, writes Wally Bock. Here's the type of leader we need instead.

Michael Stallard Interviews with New York City's WCBS Radio: Protection from Burnout and Suicide

Connection provides protection from burnout and suicidal thoughts, shared Michael Stallard in a recent interview with New York City's WCBS Radio.

When Grit Isn’t Enough: Protection from Burnout and Suicide

During sustained periods of stress and loneliness, grit alone isn't sufficient to protect against burnout and suicidal thoughts. Human connection can help.

Pat Farnack Interviews Michael Stallard About Brutal Honesty in the Workplace

Michael Stallard spoke with Pat Farnack on WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City about why brutal honesty doesn't belong in the workplace.

Hard Things Effective Leaders Must Do

Some of the hardest aspects of leadership involve people. Wally Bock shares important advice for improving your soft skills.

5 Strategies for Building High Trust, High Performing Teams

The most successful and high-performing teams are built on trust, writes Randy Conley. Here are five strategies to establish high levels of trust.

Celebrate Moments of Resilience

By celebrating moments of resilience, we help people stay connected to the team and persevere through the inevitable challenging seasons, write Brandon Kozar, Katharine Stallard, and Michael Stallard.

The Gentle Art of Asking Questions

Asking questions is a great way to connect and is a valuable career skill. Wally Bock shares tips for mastering the art of asking questions.

TD Magazine Features Michael Stallard's Recommendations on Emotional Compensation

The October 2021 issue of TD Magazine shines a spotlight on the importance of emotional compensation during this year's "Great Resignation."

Michael Stallard Interviewed for Kathy Caprino's Forbes Column

Kathy Caprino interviewed Michael Stallard for a Forbes column on how to retain employees during the "Great Resignation."

The 1 Thing Leaders Agree is Critically Important for Success, Yet Few Have a Plan to Achieve It

Nearly all leaders agree that building employee trust is critical, but few address it. Randy Conley shares four ways to build trust.

Terryberry to Host Michael Stallard in September 21 Webinar

Struggling with employee retention? Michael Stallard will share strategies for success at an upcoming Terryberry webinar.

Michael Stallard to Speak at Virtual LeaderCon

Hear Connection Culture Group's Michael Lee Stallard at the 2021 Virtual LeaderCon on September 24.

Michael Stallard Discusses Employee Retention Strategies With Pat Farnack

Michael Stallard appeared on WCBS Newsradio 880 to discuss employee retention strategies in today's environment.

3 Things Effective Leaders Do

If you want to be an effective leader, then you need to do these three things, writes Wally Bock.

Lasting Change = Head Knowledge + Heart Knowledge

To create lasting change in your organizational culture, people need to embrace it with both their heads and their hearts, write Michael and Katie Stallard.

GovExec Daily Podcast on Emotional Compensation’s Role in Employee Retention

Michael Stallard explored emotional compensation's role in employee retention in a recent episode of the GovExec Daily podcast.

Connection Culture Cited in PM Magazine

PM Magazine, a publication of the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA), recently cited the Connection Culture framework as an example of factors that lead to government effectiveness.

Learn About the Power of Connection at the ATD 2021 International Conference

Join Michael Stallard at the ATD 2021 International Conference to learn how connection boosts creativity and innovation.

5 Actions to Keep Culture Alive and Thriving

Nurturing your organization's culture is like tending to a garden, writes Paul LaRue. It requires constant care to ensure that everyone thrives.

To Cope with Labor Shortage, Raise Emotional Compensation

Is "emotional compensation" the key to attracting and retaining talent in today's tight labor market? Michael Stallard explains why it matters.

Michael Stallard Shares Tips With IE Insights for Navigating the Return to the Office

In this video produced by IE Insights, Michael Stallard shares what managers can expect when employees return to the office.

Michael Stallard Interviewed by Lee Newman, Dean of IE Business School in Spain

Lee Newman, Dean of IE Business School in Spain, interviewed Michael Stallard about the importance of connection coming out of the pandemic.

5 Ways You Undermine Trust in Your Leadership

When leaders are trusted by their followers, anything is possible. Randy Conley shares five behaviors that leaders should avoid to preserve trust.

Preparing for Re-entry into the Physical Workplace: Lessons from NASA

Re-entering the workplace after a long period of social isolation is something NASA astronauts have done for decades. Michael Stallard shares lessons we can learn.

Acing the Interview: What Hiring Managers and Applicants Need to Know About Management Style Questions

Whether you are the job applicant or the hiring manager, you can and should be prepared to discuss management style and the relational culture of the team during the interview process, writes Katie Russell.

GovExec Daily Podcast Appearance: Workplace Culture and the Return to Offices

The GovExec Daily podcast featured Connection Culture Group's Michael Stallard in a conversation about how workplace culture may influence employees' decisions to return.

Michael Stallard Appears on GRACE Under Pressure Podcast Hosted by John Baldoni

Internationally known leadership expert John Baldoni interviewed Michael Stallard for the GRACE Under Pressure podcast.

5 Things You Can Do to Be a Better Boss

Research shows that thirty to sixty percent of bosses fail. Wally Bock shares five things you can do to beat the odds.

Hope Employees Will Return to the Office? Start Here.

If employers hope to convince employees to return to the office after the pandemic, then fostering a connection culture will be essential writes Michael Stallard.

What Assumptions Are You Making?

The assumptions we make about others are often the source of conflict in work relationships. Mary Jo Asmus shares three common assumptions that leaders need to question.

GovExec Daily Podcast Appearance: The Utility of Breaks and Breakdowns

Michael and Katie Stallard explained the wisdom of giving yourself time for a break - or even a breakdown - in a GovExec Daily podcast interview.

TD Magazine Features Michael and Katie Stallard's Article on Innovation

Innovation is on the decline, but it doesn't have to be that way. Michael and Katie Stallard explain why in a new article published by TD magazine.

Having an Old-fashioned Nervous Breakdown Might Be a Good Thing

The term "nervous breakdown" may have fallen out of common use, but Michael and Katie Stallard write that taking a break to recharge may be what today's workers need.

Michael Stallard Appears on GovExec Daily Podcast

GovExec Daily hosted Michael Stallard for a conversation about a creative approach to engaging remote team members: bringing back show and tell.

The 4 Behaviors Guaranteed to Destroy Relationships

Avoid sabotaging work relationships...and your career...by steering clear of these four destructive behaviors, writes Randy Conley.

Michael Stallard Featured on Finding Brave Podcast

Michael Stallard joined Kathy Caprino for a candid conversation about combatting the rising stress and loneliness of the pandemic in the latest episode of the Finding Brave podcast.

Connect Your Remote Team Through Personal Knowledge

Personal knowledge can be a powerful connector, but it can be tough to help remote workers to connect. Learn two approaches for boosting engagement.

3 Common Leadership Myths About Burnout – And What to Think Instead

There are a lot of myths about burnout that get in the way of truly addressing the problem, writes Suzi McAlpine. Here's what leaders need to do instead.

Leadership: Over the Hills and Far Away

As leaders manage remote teams, it may feel like employees are "over the hills and far away." Wally Bock shares three reminders for leading in a remote environment.

Thriving Through the Ongoing Pandemic

What characteristics do people who are thriving through the pandemic have in common? Michael Lee Stallard explains.

Hear Michael Lee Stallard at These February Conferences

Michael Lee Stallard will be a keynote speaker at two virtual conferences designed for professionals in the higher education and human resources fields.

Michael Lee Stallard Featured in getAbstract Webinar

Michael Lee Stallard talked about remote work, rising stress, and the critical need for connection in a recent getAbstract webinar.

Stop Enabling the Workplace Bully

Many leaders put up with workplace bullies because the bully produces results, but that approach ultimately harms the culture of the organization reminds Paul LaRue.

The Role Connection Plays in a Democracy

Connection is what allows our society to function as "we, the people," writes Michael Lee Stallard. Here's how we can strengthen that connection in 2021.

Connection Culture Course Among LinkedIn Learning’s Most Popular

The LinkedIn Learning course on Connection Culture featuring Michael Lee Stallard is now one of the platform's most popular courses. Here's how to access it for free.

Your Purpose Doesn’t Need to be Earth-Saving

Every team needs a purpose, but don't fall into the trap of overthinking what that purpose is, reminds Wally Bock.

Ours Was One of the “Most Read” Articles on SmartBrief

SmartBrief's top articles of 2020 included a piece written by Connection Culture Group's Michael and Katie Stallard.

Learning Compassion

Compassion shows that you care and creates a work environment where people want to be. Mary Jo Asmus shares tips on how leaders can cultivate this characteristic.

Exciting News About Our Latest Book

Two of the leading book summary organizations in the world have published helpful abstracts of the second edition of Connection Culture.

A Year-End Gift to Our Readers: LinkedIn Learning Course Access

As 2020 draws to a close, Michael and Katie Stallard share the story of the new Connection Culture LinkedIn Learning course and give readers a special offer.

Don’t Abandon Your Core Values During a Crisis

In a crisis, do your organization's leaders take a fight or flight approach? Paul LaRue shares why staying true to core values matters.

Why and How to Become a Helpful Boss

Helpfulness reinforces connection and makes employees less likely to leave. Wally Bock explains how to become a helpful boss.

Lifting Others with Your Words

Emotions are catching, reminds Mary Jo Asmus. Be intentional about choosing positive words when appropriate to lift others up.

Michael Lee Stallard Tells Soundview Magazine Why Connection is Critical to Emotional Health

Soundview Magazine published thoughts from Michael Lee Stallard on why connection is critical to managing emotional health, particularly during the pandemic.

Michael Lee Stallard Appears on GovExec Daily Podcast

Michael Lee Stallard talks with GovExec Daily about how to foster a culture of connection at government agencies during the pandemic.

Lessons on Connection from the Life of RBG

We can learn a lot about how to live a life of connection from the example of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, writes Michael Lee Stallard.

Michael Stallard Shares Update on Latest Book With Pat Farnack of WCBS Newsradio

Michael Stallard spoke with Pat Farnack of WCBS Newsradio about what's included in the latest edition of the book Connection Culture.

Michael and Katharine Stallard to Host ExecuNet Webinar on November 5

ExecuNet will host the Connection Culture Group on November 5 for an informative discussion on connection in today's environment.

Sneak Peek: Connection Heroes in Expanded & Updated 2nd Edition of Connection Culture

Katharine P. Stallard shares a sneak peek at some of the connection heroes highlighted in the second edition of Connection Culture.

When You Want to Know What Others Think

The connection culture element of "voice" requires open and honest communication. Mary Jo Asmus explains how leaders can create a safe space for honest feedback.

How to Prepare for Rising Stress Ahead

Michael Stallard shares that several factors may lead to more stress in the coming months, which means it's time to ensure that you and those you lead are prepared to manage it.

How a Servant-Leader Mindset Can Give New Leaders Instant Rapport

Servant leaders have the humility to recognize they don't have all the answers, reminds Paul LaRue. By giving employees a voice, they can connect with those they lead.

Protecting Remote Workers’ Productivity and Performance

As an increasing number of people become remote workers, it is critical for organizations to be intentional about fostering connection to encourage high levels of productivity and performance.

Protecting Employees from Covid-19 through Connection

How can we protect people in the workplace so they don’t contract Covid-19? Workplace cultures that emphasize connection are part of the answer. Here's why.

Connection at Home During Covid-19

With fewer opportunities to connect at work and the community, connection at home is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic write Michael Lee Stallard and Katharine P. Stallard.

Why Relational Connection Is So Important During the Coronavirus Pandemic

While battling the COVID-19 pandemic, our society is also facing an epidemic of loneliness. Michael Stallard and Katharine Stallard share how to practice social distancing while maintaining connection.

The Case for a People Support System

In a world where employees are increasingly asked to do more with less, Paul LaRue makes the case that businesses need to invest in People Support Systems.

Leadership: There is no Misbehavior

There is no misbehavior; there is only behavior. Wally Bock shares important questions leaders should ask to determine why an employee is failing to meet expectations.

Boost Connectedness to Reverse Rise of Suicides in America

Michael Stallard explores what's behind the rise of suicides in America and why boosting connectedness is the key to reversing it.

4 Ways Love Provides a Competitive Advantage

Love provides a lasting, although rarely discussed, competitive advantage. Here's why leaders such as Kip Tindell and Herb Kelleher focus on love.

Start Your Week by Driving Culture

Consistency is the key to driving culture change in the workplace. Paul LaRue shares a checklist to help leaders start each week focused on their company's culture.