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Writer's pictureSarah Gruneisen

The Need for Connection and Belonging: The Driving Force Behind All My Convictions

❤️‍🔥💚🔥🔥🔥🐉

This final conviction is perhaps the most vital of them all: All people need connection and belonging. It’s the 14th and last of my core convictions, resting upon the foundation of the values that drive me - and for good reason. Belonging and connection are at the heart of everything we do. Without them, none of the other convictions can fully take root.


Even the fiercest dragons, despite their solitary flights, are drawn to their clans, their lairs, or their kin. No matter how strong or independent they seem, every dragon knows that its strength does not lie solely in its might or fire - but in the —-> bonds it shares with others.


This conviction reminds us that all people, like dragons, need connection, safety, and belonging. Our individual power grows not just from within, but through the attachments we form, the relationships that give us strength, guidance, and companionship.


Just as dragons gather in clans for wisdom and support, every person seeks attachment to feel valued, understood, and supported. It is this bond, this sense of belonging, that fuels us and allows us to thrive.


Why This Conviction Comes Last:


I mention this conviction last because it is the driving force behind all the others (read about attachment theory in psychology). Our need for connection underpins our desire for authenticity, respect, empathy, and growth. Everything we seek to build - whether it’s trust, leadership, or innovation - rests on the foundation of belonging. Without it, my other convictions lack their full power. Belonging is the key that unlocks our ability to be seen, heard, and empowered to live out our purpose.


🔥🔥 Linking Connection to Our Work: Engineering and Leadership


In our work and engineering teams, the need for connection is not just a soft skill - it’s a driver for tangible results. Engineering is about problem-solving and innovation, but at its core, it's a collaborative process. Teams that feel connected and have a sense of belonging work better together, trust one another, and innovate faster.


Here’s how:


1. Fostering Better Collaboration and Innovation:


In engineering, diverse ideas and creative problem-solving are essential for building cutting-edge solutions. When team members feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to voice their ideas without fear of judgment. This openness to sharing and challenging assumptions fosters collaboration that sparks innovation. When a team feels connected, the result is an environment of safety, where creativity thrives and breakthroughs happen.


2. Increasing Efficiency and Reducing Turnover:


When engineers feel valued and connected to their teams, they are more motivated to contribute to long-term goals. This sense of attachment reduces turnover, which is a significant cost to businesses. High retention means maintaining valuable institutional knowledge, avoiding expensive rehiring processes, and fostering continuity on projects. A connected team is not only happier but also more efficient and productive.


3. Enhancing Problem-Solving and Customer Value:


Teams that feel a sense of belonging approach problems from a place of trust. They are more willing to challenge ideas, take calculated risks, and work together to solve complex issues. The more connected a team is, the quicker they can pivot, adapt, and create solutions that add value to customers. This agility directly impacts the quality of the product, customer satisfaction, and the ability to scale effectively.


💎🐉 The Connection Between Belonging and Profits


At the end of the day, businesses are driven by profitability. And while belonging might seem like a personal or emotional need, it’s a critical factor in driving financial success.


Here’s why:


1. Higher Engagement Leads to Better Results:


When employees feel they belong, they’re more engaged, and engaged employees perform better. They care more about their work, take ownership, and go above and beyond to deliver results. This leads to higher-quality products, services, and customer satisfaction, which in turn drives profitability.


2. Attracting and Retaining Top Talent:


In today’s competitive world, the best talent seeks more than just a paycheck. They want to work in environments where they feel connected and valued. Creating a culture of belonging helps attract top talent and keeps them from leaving for competitors. This reduces recruitment costs and ensures that the business continues to benefit from the best minds.


3. A Strong Culture Builds a Resilient Brand:


A company known for its strong culture of connection and belonging stands out in the market. Customers gravitate towards brands that prioritize not only the product but the people behind it. This builds trust, loyalty, and brand advocacy, all of which contribute to long-term profitability.


❤️‍🔥 The Heart of Leadership and Profits: Belonging


As leaders, it’s our responsibility to foster connection, not just because it feels right, but because it leads to better results - stronger teams, innovative solutions, happier employees, and higher profits. Just like a dragon’s clan, our teams thrive when everyone feels supported, heard, and seen.


Let’s commit to creating environments where every person, like every dragon, feels they truly belong. When we do, we not only unlock the full potential of our teams but also set the foundation for long-term success.


💪🏿🐲 Reflect on the connections in your life and work. How do you nurture those bonds, and how do they help you feel safe, valued, and motivated? What role does belonging play in your personal and professional growth?


Share your thoughts, and let’s honor the power of connection and belonging in every aspect of our lives - and our work.




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