In a world where technology connects us in milliseconds, it might seem ironic that we are lonelier than ever. In “Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams from Isolated to All In”, authors Steven Van Cohen and Ryan Jenkins reveal an epidemic sweeping through the modern workforce—loneliness. This is not just a trend but a pressing issue that demands our attention. Using relatable examples and compelling research, they show how disconnection not only harms individuals but also erodes team performance. Here’s why this message matters to leaders and how we can rebuild genuine connections in our increasingly tech-driven world.
- The Loneliness Epidemic: Imagine a bustling café where everyone is glued to their phones, sipping coffee in silence. This scene reflects a broader societal trend where convenience often trumps connection. The authors highlight that approximately “70% of workers worldwide experience loneliness monthly”, with “55% feeling it weekly”. Think of your daily interactions: many of us sit behind screens for most of the day, interacting through emails and instant messages instead of face-to-face conversations. This lack of connection can be detrimental, reducing productivity, loyalty, and engagement at work. It’s as if a thick fog has settled over the workplace, obscuring the vibrant interactions that once flourished. Just like a plant deprived of sunlight withers, employees deprived of meaningful human connection can’t thrive.
- Technology – The Double-Edged Sword: Technology, in this context, becomes a paradox. It’s like using an umbrella indoors—it’s helpful for certain circumstances but ineffective when the goal is a real connection. The book describes how high-tech solutions, while convenient, often come at the cost of social bonds. The ATM is a perfect metaphor: it’s faster and easier than waiting in line at the bank, but it robs us of human interaction. Over time, these missed connections accumulate, creating an increasingly isolated society, even when surrounded by digital “friends.” For instance, “Generation Z”, the first generation to grow up entirely online, paradoxically craves face-to-face communication. They are like a fish out of water, struggling to breathe in a world that prioritises digital interactions over authentic connections.
- Dimensions of Loneliness – It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All: Loneliness wears many masks, and the book breaks it down into three dimensions: intimate, relational, and collective. Think of them as three circles of connection. The innermost circle—intimate loneliness—represents a lack of close, trusted companions, providing emotional support. The middle, relational loneliness, points to an absence of friendships and supportive networks. The outermost, collective loneliness describes a disconnect from a larger community or purpose. These dimensions illustrate that loneliness can be as isolating as being stranded on a deserted island. Each type of loneliness represents a different aspect of our social needs. So, each of these dimensions is crucial, much like the legs of a tripod; take away one, and the whole structure falters.
- The Cost of Disconnection: The authors present some startling statistics: loneliness reduces life expectancy by 15 years, and being lonely increases your chance of dying young by 45%—a figure higher than excessive drinking or eating. It’s as if loneliness is a silent assassin lurking in the shadows, slowly eroding your health. The book shows that employees who feel disconnected are not only less productive but also less loyal, collaborative, and engaged. In essence, they become like lone wolves in what should be a pack-oriented environment.
- Kindness – The Antidote to Loneliness: In the face of this loneliness epidemic, the authors propose kindness as a powerful antidote. It’s not about grand gestures but about small, consistent acts of kindness that build a sense of belonging that creates ripples of positivity, much like throwing a stone into a calm pond. When one person reaches out with a simple gesture, it encourages others to do the same, fostering a culture of connection. The authors emphasise that kindness is contagious, much like a single match can set an entire bonfire ablaze. For example, a manager who takes the time to listen to an employee not only alleviates that individual’s loneliness but also strengthens the entire team’s morale. So, it is as simple as giving someone your undivided attention, which can be a profound gesture in today’s world of constant distractions.
The book offers a four-step framework called “LINK” for addressing loneliness in teams. As leaders, you have the power to implement these steps and make a significant difference in your team’s well-being.
- Look at loneliness: Leaders need to first acknowledge the problem by observing signs of isolation within their teams. They must recognise signs of loneliness within their teams, just like a lighthouse guiding ships through foggy waters.
- Invest in connection: Prioritise creating spaces where employees feel safe sharing their concerns and expressing their feelings without fear of judgment. It’s like planting seeds in a garden—nurturing them will yield a flourishing community.
- Narrow the focus: Foster shared purposes and meaningful goals that unite the team, similar to how a sports team rallies around a common objective.
- Kindle the momentum: Don’t let the flame of connection die out; build habits and systems to sustain it.
These steps are like planting a garden—small, deliberate actions taken consistently can lead to a flourishing, connected team environment. Leaders don’t need to rebuild their entire organisation overnight. Instead, the authors stress that even minor, consistent efforts can have a monumental impact over time.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to prioritise efficiency and convenience over connection. But as Van Cohen and Jenkins remind us in “Connectable”, humans are wired for connection. Like a smartphone without Wi-Fi, we don’t function well when we’re disconnected. Let us remember connection is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being. Adopt kindness, build connections, and watch as the fog of loneliness lifts, revealing the vibrant interactions that lie beneath. By understanding the dimensions of loneliness and implementing the strategies outlined by Van Cohen and Jenkins, leaders can transform isolated teams into cohesive units. In doing so, they not only enhance workplace culture but also contribute to a healthier, more connected society. The book is a wake-up call: loneliness is not just an individual issue—it’s a leadership challenge. And the good news? We all have the power to change it, one connection at a time.
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