This month, I have been reflecting on the value of connection.
A couple of months back, I was talking about ‘weak ties’ (or people we know, but who aren’t in our close circle of friends) with my business accountability partner. We were reflecting on our perceived loss of connection after 2020, even thought we might feel like we have the same number of close friends that we did before. We thought maybe it had to do with the loss of our weak ties during the pandemic.
Then this month, I listened to this segment of The Current with Matt Galloway on CBC Radio, which reinforces the idea that talking to strangers is important for our mental well-being and filled in a bit more of the picture for me.
This segment shared that most of our feelings of connection to our community come from our interactions with strangers or weak ties—the barista at the coffee shop, the cashier at the grocery store, the person who holds the door for you at the gas station, or the colleague you only chat with in the elevator. Studies have shown that those of us who talk to “strangers” are 3 times happier than those of us who don’t!
No wonder we were feeling the loss of connection as we all shifted to being out and about less.
So in 2023, one of my new years resolutions is to focus on increasing connection again. Some of the ways that I am doing this are:
Morning Meetups at the Introvert Leader Coffee Klatch series
I am grateful to the people who have been coming out in early mornings to attend these meetups. It’s early and dark this time of year, but after two sessions, I am loving getting to connect with different leaders and to hear your perspectives on the challenges we face!
If you’re keen to connect with like-minded leaders and looking for some cozy small group networking opportunities, check us out! We meet one Thursday a month at the Starbucks at Uptown.
Click here to register for the upcoming event on February 9th!
I’ve also got the events scheduled up to June now, so if you’re the type of person who likes to plan ahead, you can get your tickets for the next few months here.
Group coaching opportunities
Meeting with the Introvert Leader Coffee Klatch attendees has encouraged me to add group coaching to my repertoire. Group coaching can be a great way to support each other while getting the benefits of professional coaching.
It is also a more cost effective and social way to work on your leadership skills!
Check it out here or request more information and see if group coaching is a good fit for you. I will be starting with virtual coaching (over Zoom or Google Meet), but if there’s interest in meeting in real life, I would love to offer an in-person option as well.
As you’re probably starting to learn about me, I prefer talking to people face-to-face!
New role with Vancouver Island Chapter of ICF
One of my favourite parts of transitioning to coaching has been how supportive the community is. This year, I have joined the Board and am serving as Communications Director for the local Vancouver Island Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF)!
I’m excited to build more connections with other coaches in the local community and continue developing my coaching skills.
With the first month of the year coming to a close, I’m excited to see what the rest of 2023 has in store!
As I start my first year with On Being Human Leadership Coaching, I’m feeling grateful to be doing what I’ve dreamed of and worked towards for years. As you start your own year, I wish you courage, connection, and success.
And I hope to get a chance to connect with you, whether that’s through events or coaching or the content I post online.