During my recent travels, I had the ability to gather with various groups and individuals. It was great to connect, as we talked about things we have in common, varied interests, life changes - good, bad, indifferent, family, and of course work related items. In the work connected circles, we talked about hybrid work and reasons for people to return to the office. We also talked about people feeling a need to catch up when they saw each other in person. We talked about people being able to do work remotely and how in-person work would be beneficial for exposure to nuances of work, interaction, and developing of a more fulfilling network. We talked about the value proposition for being together...all the while enjoying both our pointed and meandering conversations, engaged in conversations that crossed geographic and project boundaries, and including topics that will help organizations on a broad level and improve individual experiences.
We were enjoying the process of gathering, sharing conversations, meals, varied perspectives, experiences that help build relationship. Those relationships are a big part of the basis of why we are able to work effectively together. While I agree it is great to come together for very specific reasons, such as to move forward projects and ideals, I think it is maybe even more valuable to come together with a goal of building and strengthening relationships. We are better together!
