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In the post-COVID era we now live in, warnings about our lack of social connection – largely the result of habits we developed during the pandemic, and the new normal of working remotely – have become far more frequent.
But what’s the real harm in having fewer in-person interactions with other people – especially with work colleagues? Many of us think we’re doing just fine spending time with partners, children and close friends. Is this a false alarm?
In a groundbreaking study, science writer David Robson explored the importance of social connection, and has just written the bestseller, “The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network.” And, Robson concluded that social connection is as crucial for our health and happiness as having a balanced diet and regular exercise. It not only reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s but also enhances creativity and adds years to our lifespan.
A previous podcast guest, London Business School’s Herminia Ibarra, stressed that because we human beings are “lazy and narcissistic,” we’re far less likely to further develop our social network today unless we literally run into people – experiences which sadly occur far less often today.
So, in his book, Robson explores evidence-based strategies for enhancing our social connections (he’s 
landed on 13 different principles many discussed in our conversation), and strongly emphasizes that the most informed workplace leaders are already investing much time and effort cultivating connection for people on their team – and not just because doing so will elevate their individual well-being, but explicitly because doing so will elevate the team’s overall performance.
Please don’t miss this conversation. David’s book has been spotlighted by the Wall Street Journal and was just named a “Next Big Idea Must Read Pick” by Adam Grant, Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink.
