When you think about top-performing teams, what do you believe drives their success? Productivity? Innovation? Talent? Funding? While all of these factors play a role, I’m convinced that the number one driver of success is something you might not expect. Let’s dive into it today.

The Heart of Organizational Success

The secret to building high-performing teams isn’t just about having the best systems, the most talented people, or even great perks. It’s about whether or not your team feels connected—to each other, to you as their leader, and to the purpose they’re working toward.

When connection is missing, you hear things like:

• “It feels like everyone’s just looking out for themselves.”

• “I don’t feel comfortable sharing my ideas—no one really listens.”

• “I’m just here for the paycheck—counting down the days to the weekend.”

• “Leadership talks about vision, but I don’t see how my job fits in.”

• “I feel like an outsider here.”

• “My work goes unnoticed. No one sees what I contribute.”

• “My coworkers are fine, but I don’t really consider them friends.”

Sound familiar? Disconnection pushes people further into isolation. When individuals feel undervalued, unseen, or excluded, they disengage.

The Statistics Behind Connection

A recent study found that nearly 60% of employees in the U.S. feel disconnected at work. That’s a staggering number, and if you’re leading a team, there’s a good chance some of your people feel this way right now.

On the flip side, connection acts as a pull—a force that draws people in and makes them feel like they belong. This isn’t just a workplace issue; it’s a human issue. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2023 report found that nearly 50% of U.S. adults feel lonely. Chronic loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26%—the same as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

If connection is good for our health, imagine what it can do for our teams.

Five Simple Ways to Build Connection Daily

The good news? Building connection isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate team-building activities. It’s about small, consistent actions that show people they matter. Here’s how you can start:

1. Be Present. When talking to someone, eliminate distractions. Don’t check your phone or mentally run through your to-do list. Just listen.

2. Make Time for Connection. Schedule 1:1 check-ins with your team—not just when there’s a problem, but just to see how they’re doing. If you need a guide on how to structure these meetings, check out my podcast episode on 1:1s.

3. Pick Up the Phone. When someone calls, answer—even if it’s just to say, “Hey, I can’t talk now, but I’ll call you back soon.” This small action reinforces that they matter to you.

4. Use People’s Names. Instead of just saying, “Have a good day,” try “Have a good day, Josh.” It acknowledges them as an individual and fosters belonging.

5. Be Intentional in Meetings. Every staff meeting should include a moment of connection. If you need help incorporating this into your meetings, download my Connected Meetings Kickoff Guide HERE.

Your Greatest Asset as a Leader

Your greatest asset isn’t your time, talent, or resources—it’s your attention. When you give your attention to someone, you give them a piece of yourself, and that’s how real connection grows.

Imagine a workplace where people actually look forward to coming to work. Where conversations go beyond tasks and deadlines, and instead, spark ideas, collaboration, and laughter. Where employees stay not because they have to, but because they want to.

David W. Augsburger once said, “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.”

That is the power of connection.

So if you want your team to succeed, don’t just focus on tasks, strategies, and outcomes. Build connection. Because when people feel connected, they’re not just more productive—they’re happier, more loyal, and more invested in the success of your organization.