Connection

Human connection is aided by digital connection but the two are not the same. The chemistry involved is different. Dopamine is released when progress is made or we are recognised on social media, but the three other 'happy' hormones; oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins prefer movement, interaction, and human engagement. Perhaps this serves as a useful reflection regarding the balance we should strike in order to be effective: 25% digital connection and 75% in-person collaboration...

Happy hormones set a positive mood which in turn delivers more productivity. This is reinforced time and again in the research. Trust, truth, and transparency are three Ts that emerged in the documentary Chasing the Sun 2. This behind-the-scenes insight into how the Springbok management team engaged with players and the media, highlighted the value of human connection, and revealed how a squad beset by injuries was inspired to find a way to win despite the adversity. As Rich Diviney says in The Attributes, trust cannot be forced, it can only be earned.

The team that the Springboks beat in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final was the All Blacks. This team brought in a new coach in 2024. In several interviews, Scott Robertson explains that his major focus is "connection". "Leaders can connect people to a greater purpose by understanding themselves and having a clear vision." He believes that focusing on the team and its working culture can help the team to "connect" with the collective vision. "Ways of working" drive progress and performance if correctly aligned and enrolled.

Between them, the Springboks and All Blacks have won seven of the ten Rugby World Cups to date. 100% likelihood that there is something immensely valuable to learn about connection from these two great rugby cultures! Each season or campaign begins with alignment camps to share the vision and to select and enrol the players. Thereafter it is all about "buy-in", commitment, and connection (to the greater purpose). Digital and social communication play a part in sharing the story and the legacy, but human connection is the only way the job will get done on the field when it counts. As Rassie Erasmus (Springbok coach) is fond of explaining; emotional adrenaline lasts for 5 minutes, but personal meaning lasts much longer. Connecting each member of a team to the vision, the purpose, the privilege, the legacy, as well as to each other, is the invaluable intangible that separates good from great when every other metric is even.

Video analysis is a real digital benefit which helps connect players with awareness and learning. Collaborative reviews conducted in the right coaching climate can also aid connection through happy-hormone release.

As an Exceed Performance Coach, I recently facilitated an alignment session for an Extended Leadership Team in the Energy Sector. The three Ts of trust, truth, and transparency were key themes and the importance of connection was reinforced throughout. Trust was explored through a bespoke exercise. The overall leader shared his vision while unit leaders shared the current reality. Honest interaction then unlocked new ideas for how to get from current reality to desired vision. Human connection was deliberately nurtured in readiness for the challenges ahead. Moving, problem-solving, laughing, and sharing, helped to strengthen the collective connection. The team is now in a better mood for the vision and mission.