October 16, 2020
“GovExec Daily: Fostering a Culture of Connection in the Workplace”
by Adam Butler, Ross Gianfortune, and Michael Lee Stallard
October 16, 2020

“GovExec Daily: Fostering a Culture of Connection in the Workplace”
by Adam Butler, Ross Gianfortune, and Michael Lee Stallard
“Michael Stallard Shares Update on Latest Book With Pat Farnack”
by WCBS Newsradio 880
I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed again by Pat Farnack, longtime radio host on WCBS Newsradio 880 in New York City. In our conversation, we talked about what’s included in the latest edition of Connection Culture, why connection is so important in helping us cope with stress, and examples of great connectors in real life.

Are you struggling to connect with a coworker, neighbor, or family member with whom you find yourself disagreeing frequently this year? Consider borrowing some connection tips on interacting with people in spite of the differences between you from the example of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Politics aside, there is much to admire about Justice Ginsburg—her perseverance in overcoming obstacles, her commitment to the cause of equality for women and men, and her tremendous work ethic, even while undergoing treatment for cancer in her 80s. After a noteworthy career as an attorney preparing and arguing important legal cases, Ginsburg served in the federal judiciary for forty years, first as an appellate judge and then as the second woman to be appointed as an associate justice on the Supreme Court.
I want to briefly focus on four lessons related to connection that we can learn from her years as a judge.

Today is the day! The second edition of Connection Culture is now available on Amazon. In the new edition, readers will discover updated research, diverse profiles of connection leaders, and actionable tips to apply connection in their lives, among other additional features.
While there is no “one-size-fits-all” culture in today’s increasingly diverse and global world, research supports that the strongest cultures share a high degree of human connection. The need for connection is more important now than ever before given that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing greater stress, loneliness, and isolation.
Discover the power of human connection and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues. The new edition is available for purchase at this link to Amazon.com.

This excellent New York Times article, “We’re All Socially Awkward Now,” makes a compelling case that ongoing social isolation due to the physical separation required during the COVID-19 pandemic is diminishing connection skills and having a negative impact on emotional and physical health.
Research on isolation of inmates shows those who coped best understood that social isolation was not good for them. Instead, they intentionally connected with others by writing letters, etc.
How are you safely connecting with others throughout the pandemic?
Today is National Book Lover’s Day. To celebrate, Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connector’s Advantage, recommended Connection Culture as one of her 10 favorite books.
Here’s the list:
Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the GovExec Daily podcast produced by Government Executive. We talked about how government leaders can foster a culture of connection for a better work environment and better results, even in the pandemic.
If you or someone you know works in the public sector, I hope this podcast sparks some ideas on how to make a positive impact in your workplace during a difficult time.