39. Psychological safety: the precondition for connection

Google discovered the secret ingredient that sets high-performing teams apart … psychological safety. This post describes how to build it in teams and relationships.

connection, belonging, productivityJessica GiffordMay 16, 2022 Comments

38. Brush up on your social intelligence skills

People with high social intelligence have stronger relationships, better mental and physical health, are more likely to be promoted at work, and have greater life satisfaction. Here’s how to hone your SI skills.

connection, relationship-building, relationshipsJessica GiffordMay 10, 2022Comment

37. Apologize well (and avoid these common mistakes)

Apologies can make a relationships stronger, or destroy them. This post explores the good, bad, and ugly when it come to apologies.

36. Implement Check-ins

Mutual sharing increases liking and closeness … and this simple exercise helps people share easily.

35. Make conscious choices about your social media use. It may be making you lonely, depressed and anxious.

Even though we KNOW that social media posts are curated, we still make ourselves miserable by comparing our insides to other people’s outsides.

loneliness, mental health, connectionJessica GiffordApril 18, 2022social media, comparisonComment

34. Try something new … and break out of a friendship rut.

If you have a friend or friend group that’s fallen into a rut, try doing something new and exciting (like these ideas) to re-ignite your friendship.

friendship, connection, relationshipsJessica GiffordApril 11, 2022Comment

33. Laugh: 6 ways to increase your LQ (Laughter Quotient)

Did you know that laughing reduces loneliness (as well as a whole host of other benefits)? Here are some ideas to up your laughter game.

connection, happiness, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordApril 4, 2022laughter Comments

32. Change your enviroment ... it may be making you lonelier.

Most of us want to feel more connected, but our physical environment may be conspiring against that goal.

connection, belonging, happinessJessica GiffordMarch 28, 2022physical environment, spaceComment

31. Croissant, don’t bagel (it’s more inclusive).

What do breakfast breads have to do with socializing? Read on to find out…

30. Set boundaries. Caring TOO much may be contributing to burnout.

We tend to think of compassionate people as having a bottomless well of kindness, but the truth is that the people who are most compassionate have strong boundaries.

burnout, wellness, relationshipsJessica GiffordMarch 14, 2022boundaries, compassion Comments

29. Strengthen your empathy muscle.

There is evidence that empathy is on the decline, which has frightening personal and global consequences. But you can take steps to build your empathy muscle.

mental health, connection, wellnessJessica GiffordMarch 7, 2022empathy Comments

28. Initiate Quick Connections

As kids we’re told not to talk to strangers, and as adults, most of us prefer not to. But making quick connections actually makes us feel good!

connection, wellness, lonelinessJessica GiffordFebruary 28, 2022talk to stratngers Comments

27. Attend to "bids" for connection ... it's a key behavior in healthy relationships

Responding to “bids for connection” is a core connection behavior that sets healthy relationships apart from unhealthy ones. What’s your response style?

26. Give a Great Compliment

Giving (and receiving) compliments can make us feel a little squirmy. Here's why they matter more than you might think.

relationship-building, friendship, connectionJessica GiffordFebruary 14, 2022Comment

25. Break the avoidance habit.

Avoiding a difficult conversation may eventually lead to avoiding a person. Learn the cost of avoidance—to both parties.

friendship, loneliness, relationshipsJessica GiffordFebruary 7, 2022ghosting, friend breakups Comments

24. Initiate, invite, include

Do your friendships feel reciprocal? When you initiate connection it helps broaden and strengthen your social circles.

friendship, relationship-building, connectionJessica GiffordJanuary 31, 2022Comment

23. Improve your sleep

Poor sleep doesn’t just make us crankier, it also makes us lonelier.

connection, relationships, wellness, student successJessica GiffordJanuary 24, 2022 Comments

22. Increase Your Awkward Tolerance

The number one predictor of long-term success—in business, and relationships—is the amount of discomfort we’re willing to endure. Learn build your awkward tolerance.

relationship-building, connection, friendshipJessica GiffordJanuary 17, 2022social discomfort, social awkwardnessComment

21. Align Your Time With Your Priorities

Most people would say family and friends are more important than anything else, but the way we spend our time doesn’t always reflect that. Try this simple exercise to see how well your time aligns with your priorities.

connection, friendship, happinessJessica GiffordJanuary 10, 2022prioritiesComment

20. Set a social mini-goal

People often set goals that are overly ambitious, then fizzle out. Starting small, with mini-goals, will give you early success that you can build on. This strategy can be applied to any of your goals, including building stronger connection.

connection, friendship, mental health, relationshipsJessica GiffordJanuary 4, 2022goal-settingComment

Connection By Design

Connection is too important to leave to chance. This blog is for people who want to build stronger relationships in their organizations, intentionally.

We’ve helped over 100 colleges, businesses, and organizations build connection, including: