On Monday, I had the pleasure of being invited to deliver my “Science of Connection” keynote to the wonderful team from HireUp, here in Sydney.
I felt really honoured as this inspiring business actually specialises in Connection, especially with the value they add to their community.
I forgot how much I love this keynote, where I unpack my five-step Connection Formula.
Seek Similarities
Boost Belonging
Give Generously
Share Stories
Create Chemistry
Download a postcard version of our Connection Formula down below.
I shared a story relating to Step 3 - Give Generously.
A story of Gratitude in Action.
Introducing, Sheldon Yellen, CEO of BELFOR Holdings, Inc., a disaster-relief and property-restoration company. Sheldon was hired in 1985 by his brother-in-law, so as you can imagine, some employees felt he was being given special treatment. As such, he started a ritual where he’d handwrite a birthday card for every single employee in the company. If nothing else, he thought, the cards would encourage people to stop by his desk and say 'hi’. Which they did. “It got people talking, we started to communicate more, and I like to think it helped me earn respect within the company.” he said.
Fast forward to today, Sheldon, now as CEO, continues his ritual, except now the company, has grown and consequently he handwrites 9,200 cards annually.
Yes, you read right, 9,200 cards every year. One for every single employee!
He is known for bringing suitcases full of stationery with him on every plane trip. Yellen has found taking the time to personally hand-write a card for each and every person has created a culture of compassion throughout the whole company. And the best bit… “It’s also something that doesn’t have to cost a thing,” he says.
To me, this is the epitome of workplace gratitude in action and a brilliant example of Part 3 of the connection formula: GIVE GENEROUSLY! Open your heart.
The simple act of taking the time to write a card, a note or even sending a nice text or email to show your thanks and appreciation, does wonders in terms of creating meaningful connections.
A gratitude study* found that a simple ‘thank you’ email doubled the number of people willing to help in the future because they appreciated being needed and felt more socially valued when they’d been thanked.
Everyone loves to feel appreciated!
(especially as we come to the end of another busy year).
Hey, I get it, I know we're all busy, but the way I see it, if Sheldon as CEO, can commit to writing 9200 cards annually, who are we not to?
Take care, keep connecting, until next time
