This has been on my heart lately. I learned many, many years ago that we are all equal and deserve to be treated as such. I’m not talking about equality vs equity here; I’m talking about us all being human.
Strip away everything from the outside, and inside, we are the same. We all need a heart to beat to live. We all need blood to circulate to survive. We all need our brains to take care of all the autonomic responses to function. We have just had different experiences that lead to our current circumstances.
So when this west coast Canadian gal was in NYC last month and walked by a homeless fellow asking for money, I did what I do with everyone, I acknowledged him and said, “Sorry, I have no cash.” His reply broke my heart and has stuck with me since.
He said, “Thank you. Not for not giving me money. Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for responding to me. Most people walk by like I don’t even exist…”
His voice is still in my head. Thinking about it makes my eyes well up and causes that lump in my throat to appear. I could sense his true appreciation for such a simple thing. Such a simple thing.
I think what people forget in our hustle-and-grind world is that the satisfaction or fulfilment we seek in life does not come from the things we accumulate, the status we achieve, or the money we have in the bank. It comes from being human.
And although this is not necessarily the content you've come to expect from me, this is a story that demonstrates what I often talk about, how to build a business where people want to work. Understanding what it is that people are looking for and that it doesn't have to cost you money or even time.
Building Connection in Your Business
At its core, building a business where people want to work starts with connection. It’s about seeing and valuing people, genuinely caring. It's not just the role they play or the work they do, it's as human beings with dreams, struggles, and the same basic needs as you and me.
When leaders create a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and valued, they unlock a level of engagement and loyalty that no salary alone can buy. That's why, when asked, people report compensation down the list of priorities of what is important in a job.
How to Foster Connection in Your Team
With good intentions, a willingness to learn and a desire to be better, you can build a business where people want to work and where they will stay. Here are a few simple things that make a difference:
Acknowledge every individual: Your team members want to be seen. A simple “thank you,” a genuine compliment, or taking a moment to ask how they’re doing can make a world of difference. It’s not just about recognition for their work when they do a great job, it’s about acknowledging them as people.
Listen to understand: Listening isn’t just about hearing words, or preparing your response to what you think will be said. Listening is about understanding the needs, concerns, and motivations of your team. Make it a habit to seek feedback, ask questions, and truly listen without interrupting or jumping to conclusions.
Create a culture of empathy: Teach and model empathy at every level of your organization. When people feel cared for and supported, they’re more likely to care about their work, their teammates, and the company’s success. Be relatable, share stories of your experience, show you're human too and that you understand what your people may be experiencing.
Invest in development of your people: People want to feel like they matter and that they’re growing. Offer opportunities for personal and professional development. Equip your leaders with the skills to connect, communicate, and inspire.
Why It Matters
In our industry where there is a lot of pressure, a lot of chaos and stress it’s easy to just focus on tasks, metrics, and bottom lines. However, the secret to sustainable success is found in your people.
When you build a team that feels connected and valued, you create an environment where people show up, do their best, and stay for the long haul. This connection drives collaboration, boosts morale, and ultimately improves productivity and profitability.
Ready to Build a Connected Team?
In an industry facing challenges like labour shortages and high turnover, developing connection within your team is more important than ever. It’s a competitive advantage that drives productivity, profitability, and long-term success.
If you’re ready to create a business where people feel connected, engaged, and inspired, I can help. My workforce development programs are designed specifically for the construction industry, equipping people at all levels with the tools to build meaningful connections and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.
Reach out today to learn more. Your people are your greatest asset, let’s make sure they’re equipped to succeed.
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