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“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.”
Author: Unknown
The dictionary defines relationship as “the way in which two or more concepts, objects or people are connected or the state of being connected.” When we examine the deeper meaning of relationship, countless more words come to mind: trust, loyalty, connection, association, affiliation, rapport, bond, liaison, humor, respect, support and presence to mention a few.
Recently, a Northwestern University study found that most successful women surround themselves with other women. The study found 75% of high-ranking women maintained a female-dominated inner circle or strong ties to 2 or 3 women with whom they communicated frequently verses men with a larger network regardless of gender makeup. As women, relationships (connections) are good for us. They not only encourage but also challenge and sharpen us.
It’s hard to think about relationships without thinking about the word connection. According to research from the Center for Creative Leadership, one of the five steps for high-performing women is connection. The research goes on to say that connection is “the fundamental need to be close to other human beings”. Actions that women can take to nurture connections are network, mentoring, cultivate new relationships and community service.
Join me HERE
and my Center for Creative Leadership colleagues Dana Washington, and Katherine Pappa for a Q&A-style webinar to talk about what networking, especially during a pandemic, is really like.