Category Archives: Connection Culture

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

ATD 2021 International Conference Promo Graphic for Michael Lee Stallard

Is the relational culture of your group sabotaging creativity and innovation? I’m looking forward to speaking about this topic at the ATD 2021 International Conference next month in Salt Lake City.

Learn which culture sparks the identification of new products, processes, and organizational endeavors. I’ll also share which attitudes, language, and behaviors increase creative conversations and fuel innovation.

  • Session Title: Boosting Creativity and Innovation Through Connection
  • Available Session Times: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 from 5:00-6:00 PM and Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 1:00-2:00 PM

I hope to see you at the conference!

 

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IE Insights Video: Back to the Office

Photo of NASA/SpaceX Crew courtesy of NASA

Are you and your team preparing to return to the office after more than a year of remote work?

Recently, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the talented team at IE Insights, IE University’s thought leadership publication for sharing knowledge on a variety of topics. I shared some insights on what managers can expect from employees based on the similar experiences NASA astronauts encounter when re-entering society after time in space.

Check out the approximately 5 minute video for a quick summary of what to watch for and how building a connection culture can ease the transition.

Photo courtesy of NASA

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LinkedIn Live Interview With Lee Newman, Dean of IE Business School in Spain

Lee Newman interviews Michael Lee Stallard at IE University

This week, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Lee Newman, the Dean of IE Business School, in Madrid, Spain. We talked about Connection Culture, the current longing for connection coming out of the pandemic, and how leaders can be proactive to help reconnect their teams.

The conversation was broadcasted on LinkedIn Live and is available to watch on demand.

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

Astronaut Franklin R. Chang-Diaz works with a grapple fixture during extravehicular activity to perform work on the International Space Station

Astronaut crews living and working in space experience as a matter of course what many of us experienced unexpectedly during the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic. Consider these similarities:

  • They are physically isolated for a long period of time from family, friends, and the majority of their work colleagues.
  • Their daily in-person interactions are limited to the few people they live with and their other interactions are intermediated through digital technology.
  • Their home also serves as their workplace.
  • They are surrounded by a dangerous environment that poses a threat to their physical health. (For them, the dangers include a lack of oxygen in outer space; for us, the danger has been the risk of contracting COVID-19.)
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Hope Employees Will Return to the Office? Start Here.

Coworkers laughing together in office

As the world opens up again following COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, employers that were previously accustomed to a steady hum of activity in the cubicles and corridors must decide if they are going to bring people back into the office full-time, continue to allow them to work remotely, or come up with a hybrid arrangement that provides for a mix of in-office and remote work. A positive way to view this decision is that it provides a fresh start, an opportunity to strengthen the relational subcultures throughout your organization. 

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GovExec Daily Podcast Appearance: How to Connect While Working Remote

Laptop screen showing remote team members on a video call

One of the biggest challenges leaders face in leading remote teams is finding ways to keep members connected.

Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the GovExec Daily podcast to talk about this issue and share a simple tactic for facilitating employee conversations: bringing back “show and tell.” Listen to the podcast to learn more about this tactic and how to implement it with your own team.

Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash

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Finding Brave Podcast Appearance

Kathy Caprino Podcast Banner

Recently, I had the privilege of being a guest on the Finding Brave podcast hosted by Kathy Caprino. A therapist, career coach, and author, Kathy is on a mission to help listeners – particularly professional women – access the courage they need to honor their true passions, talents, and values in life and work. 

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Connect Your Remote Team Through Personal Knowledge

Man talking to his remote team members on a video call

Remember doing “Show and Tell” or presenting to your classmates as the “Student of the Week” when you were in elementary school? As it turns out, our teachers were on to something. Bringing back an updated version of this practice would be more than merely an entertaining way to enliven a meeting at work. It may be just what teams need in year two of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

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Two Great Conference Opportunities in February

Microphone

I’m happy to share that I will be giving keynote speeches at two exciting virtual conferences this February. I hope you will consider joining me.

Campus Community Conference: Better Together 2021

If you work in the field of higher education, then this event is for you. Campus Community’s inaugural conference will take place on Thursday, February 25. I will be sharing specific examples and strategies for connection across higher education. Learn more about the event and register.

Knowledge Resources Conference: Organisational Development Conference 2021

An international event hosted by Knowledge Resources, the Organisational Development Conference 2021 will bring together speakers from around the world. The main conference sessions will take place February 24-25 and are designed for professionals in the human resources and development fields. I will be sharing how connection gives organizations a competitive advantage.

My readers can receive a 20% discount off the registration fee by sending an email with the subject line “20% Chair/speaker discount” to busie@knowres.co.za or magdeline@knowres.co.za. Learn more about the event and see the full program.