Connection is an innate human need; we are social animals and are wired to connect.
Never before have we needed to ensure we are embracing what I call “whole” connection. This means being deeply connected with ourselves and understanding who we are, and also being connected with those around us such as family, friends and colleagues, especially when working and leading remotely.
Connection to ourselves is imperative to having a deep and real connection with others.
As you can see we can sit in any of below quadrants in relation to our connection to self and others.
Where you sit depends on contributing factors such as; mindset, timing and commitment.
Take some time to read through the below and reflect on what it will take to ensure you are ILLUMINATED and SPARKLING.
Darkened: Disconnected with self
Many factors contribute to being disconnected with ourselves. These can include; lack of self-reflection, being time-poor, low self-awareness and drawing on past references and experiences that may be holding us back.
Maybe you feel challenged working remotely and don’t want to progress forward. When this is the case, you may revert to negative thoughts and therefore, not be proactive in working from home. This can affect your mental and physical well-being, and you may avoid connecting with the team and your peers and even those in your personal life.
As with any relationship, to build one with yourself can take time, and you need to be patient, open and focused on building it. I believe this is one of the most important connections of all, to yourself.
Illuminated: Deep self-connection
When you are ‘illuminated’, you have a deep connection to yourself and high self-awareness. You are in touch with your capabilities, shortcomings and the opportunities that surround you. You know your strengths and what lights you up, and you ensure you tap into this as much as possible.
People who have deep self-connection find it easy to spend time alone and therefore work alone. They find it empowering, and it is a regular part of their routine and who they are. Self-compassion is high, and this simply means you are kind to yourself and can easily direct love to yourself.
Dimmed: Disconnected from others
[bctt tweet=”Many times, if you are ‘dimmed’ and disconnected from others this will usually be linked to low self-connection. Invest in the time to ensure you have a deep connection to yourself .” username=”Renee_Giarrusso”]
I’ve come across people who’ve been disconnected with others due to poor health, trauma and busy-ness and a lot going on in their lives. The cost of not connecting with others is huge as we are all wired to connect, both in and out of the workplace. When working remotely, it is imperative you stay connected to those in the sphere of your work such as peers, your team, your manager and customers and suppliers.
We need deep connection around us for support, learning and growth. At work, your network in and outside your industry is a mirror of your connection to yourself and others.
Sparkling: Connected with others
If you are ‘sparkling’, you are deeply connected with yourself and others. You come from a place of being in deep connection with people at work and usually in all areas of your life.
Our connection with others shapes our values, our boundaries and even parts of our identity. If you are ‘Sparkling’ you will have deep and meaningful relationships, you will feel lit up, and you will be aligned to your purpose and that of others. You will also spend time on self-growth, and as your values and energy are aligned with others, you will be open to challenge and grow with those around you.
[bctt tweet=”Wherever you sit its only a temporary position and by acknowledging this you can apply a few of the tips below to ramp up connection to yourself and others.” username=”Renee_Giarrusso”]
Click the table above to download a pdf copy of these tips to keep.
As always, I’d love to hear what is working for you.
Lead to be limitless
If this article has resonated with you in any way – I’d love to hear your thoughts – get in touch. Being in service to my clients is why I do what I do, and your feedback, insight and any suggestions are always embraced.
Find out where you sit on the Leadership Ladder, your responses are anonymous, and the results summarised to help us better understand where our market sits so that we can continue to provide, insights, tools and solutions to assist you to move up to be LIMITLESS, co-creative and stand out.
Renée is a mentor, coach, expert facilitator and keynote speaker. She is the author of ‘Limitless Leadership’ and co-author of ‘Leaders of Influence’.
Follow Renée on Facebook, Instagram, IGTV or Twitter, or subscribe to her blog here or new podcast here.
COMING SOON: Supercharge Working Remotely Online Course!
