In this unprecedented crisis, it reminds us of what is really important. The depth and quality of our connections with others has numerous physical, psychological and physiological benefits.
During this disruption and after it's over, we must make a commitment to ourselves and those in our personal and professional lives to continually improve our rapport, relationships and connections.
Below is an article I previously published and used in my professional development programs and coaching to help my clients get along with anyone through better communication, interpersonal relationships, people skills and emotional intelligence.
Humans are creatures of community and thrive best in nurturing environments that promote connection and cooperation. Throughout every stage of our lives, supportive relationships play a significant role in contributing to our well-being, self-esteem, health, and quality of life. Living and working in a connected environment, whether among individuals or within organizations, is essential for the “right stuff” to root—only then do people bloom into their best.
Getting along is energizing. We thrive in climates that cultivate the connecting spirit and the excellence it inspires. On the flip side, disharmony disrupts and destroys, creating chaos that crushes cooperation, creativity, and our spirits. When we live, work, or interact in a demoralized, unsupported environment, our needs go unmet, and harmful things can happen to our health, vitality, and relationships.
Many studies conducted around the world during the last several decades have validated the healthful role played by the human “connection factor” of feeling supported, cared about, and appreciated. Functioning in a compassionate atmosphere significantly reduces our risk of getting sick, whether from colds or cancer (and not surprisingly, heart disease) as well as other life-threatening illnesses.
According to research reported by Dean Ornish, M.D., in his book Love and Survival, loneliness and isolation increase the likelihood of disease and premature death from all causes by 200 to 500 percent or more, regardless of diet, smoking, or other risk-related behaviors.
A number of large-scale, community based studies
examining the relationship between social isolation, death, and disease from all causes were conducted around the world over a 15-year period. The research revealed that those who were socially isolated had from two to five times the risk of premature death when compared to those who had a strong sense of connection. We are creatures of community and our need for connection is at the very core of our being.
People who lack supportive relationships often make destructive lifestyle choices, choices that jeopardize their physical, emotional, and mental health. In addition, when people are subjected to chronic energy-draining interactions with others, the corresponding stress wreaks havoc on their bodies, minds, and hearts. Not getting along extracts an exceptionally high price indeed.
Throughout our lifetime, relationships that nurture and support us are vital, and especially critical to the healthy development of children and teens. Creating an emotionally “safe haven” is fundamental to fostering their feelings of self-worth and well-being, and to cultivating caring relationships as they grow. Supportive relationships at home and school have proven to dramatically influence children’s choices and attitudes. Research from the National Longitudinal Health Study of Adolescent Health reveals that parent-child connectedness is the number one factor in helping to reduce the risk of teens participating in harmful, addictive, or destructive behaviors; school connectedness runs a close second.
Genuine connectedness is built on caring, concern, and commitment to nurturing the universal need for love, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Endearing connectedness forges the most treasured enduring connections.
The need for connecting with others carries into the world of work. Feeling connected and valued within the workplace is vital for bringing out the best in the workforce, cultivating peak productivity and performance. According to Jerry Harvey, Ph.D., professor of management science in the School of Business and Public Management at George Washington University, without the
benefit
of supportive relationships a melancholy
manifests itself in the workplace. He compares this to a condition observed in children who are separated from their mothers with corresponding anxiety and sadness called anaclitic depression.
Dr. Harvey uses this same term in his book, The Abilene Paradox, to describe the anxiety employees feel when separated from those they lean on for support. In these environments, communication is ineffective and employee needs go unmet. Feeling alienated and powerless from real decision-making can lead to a condition called marasmus or “wasting away,” a deterioration of employee morale, motivation, creativity, and commitment—all of which are required for satisfactory performance and a rewarding work experience. Without supportive working relationships, this deadly form of organizational cancer is likely to have a metastastic impact on an organization’s vitality. Working under these conditions becomes more like an act of survival and creates a wasteland of talent, potential, and productivity.
Getting along and enjoying caring relationships is indeed good medicine for our health, well-being, and success—at work, at home, and in all of our connections. After all, having supportive relationships is what doctors recommend, whether they’re specialists in physical, social, or organizational systems. Research confirms that for us to thrive, connectedness is an essential requirement, and connectedness is about getting to the heart of our universal need to be nurtured, supported, and sustained. That most definitely is in harmony with the needs of every heart.
If you want to discuss this further, I am always happy to have a 1 to 1 virtual meeting by zoom (free). If interested, please reply to this email or call me at 703-869-1881 or speaker@arnoldsanow.com
I'd love to talk with you!
Arnold
www.arnoldsanow.com
www.speaking.coach.com
https://conta.cc//38djkRM
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Speak, Train, Coach for Money
speaker@arnoldsanow.com
703-255-3133 or cell - 703-869-1881
