7. Introduce Yourself to Put People at Ease
It’s hard to feel a sense of belonging in your workplace (or other setting) if you never get to know people. And building relationships starts with a simple introduction, as this short, hilarious Jimmy Fallon clip highlights. When connection is left to chance, people can slip through the cracks. Intentional programs—like ProjectConnect groups—make sure they don’t. (Thanks for the free advertising Jimmy!)
Data point of the week
Research shows that “students and employees who feel a sense of belonging … have less desire to leave the organization.”
When employees experience belonging—meaning they feel supported, connected, respected, and valued, they are:
3.4 times more likely to be physically healthy
5.2 times more likely to be socially healthy
4.4 times more likely to be mentally healthy
Unfortunately, almost a third of employees (30%) DO NOT feel a sense of belonging at work—and this jumps even higher among women, employees of color, LGBTQ employees, and Gen Z.
Creating a culture of connection doesn’t require expensive events, just intentional opportunities, and everyday actions.
Reflection
Small acts of inclusion—like making introductions—can make the difference between someone feeling seen and welcome, or excluded.
Of course, it’s difficult to make introductions if you’re someone who has a hard time remembering names.
My partner and I have an understanding that if she doesn’t introduce me within the first 5 seconds, it’s her signal she’s blanked on a name, and I should introduce myself. I tend to be an over-introducer for the same reason—introducing people the 10th time they’ve met, just in case they’ve forgotten).
It takes more effort (being an introvert) to introduce myself to strangers when there’s no mutual acquaintance present—like at a conference, in a meeting, or on a plane. Even though studies show that when people push through their initial hesitation and strike up conversation with strangers, they actually find it more enjoyable than keeping to themselves, despite *thinking* they’ll hate it! We underestimate the impact of these mini-interactions.
Connection Practice: Become an introducer
When you’re in a group where not everyone knows each other, make introductions. If you can, add a point of shared interest, or how you know each person. This makes people feel less awkward and gives them a jumping off point for further conversation.
Make an effort to introduce yourself to people you don’t know, in as many situations as possible. It may feel awkward at first, but chances are the other person (or people) will appreciate you breaking the ice and will reciprocate.
Introduce yourself whenever you enter a new setting—a meeting, class, social event. It signals friendliness and shows you’re open to conversation.
If you find yourself in a situation where you know people who don’t know each other, make a point of introducing them. It’s a small step, but one that actively includes people.
Weekly Questions. Please share your responses in the comments—I love hearing from you!
Have you ever been in the same work/social sphere as someone for a loooooong time (like in the Jimmy Fallon clip) without knowing their name? Did you ever introduce yourself, or did it get too awkward?