Leaders unlock the power of human connection

The power of human connection was discussed at a session hosted by Ray White Vic | Tasmania property management business development executive Lauren McPherson in conjunction with Dr Ali Walker, a Human Connection Scientist.

In today’s session, Dr Walker delved into:

• Human Connection: Exploring how our interactions influence well-being and professional success.

• Social Relationship Health: Understanding the impact of relationships on mental and physical health.

• Leadership: Identifying traits of effective leaders and how to cultivate them within teams.
  

• Motivation: Unpacking what drives individuals and how to harness this for team performance.
  

• Conflict Conversations: Providing tools to navigate and resolve conflicts constructively.

“Relationships change everything, no matter who you are,” Dr Walker said.

“Learn how to read and match behavioural signals and how to optimise communication.”

Why is it people now care so much more now about how you read the room, she asked the audience.

“With a new era of AI, human connection is going to be at the forefront. It is because belonging is our greatest psychological need,” she said.

“If you get belonging right - in your office or home - you have a 50 per cent less risk of dying earlier than those with fewer social connections.

“You will have a stronger immune system, higher self-esteem and will be more empathetic.

“Relations change everything. At work we are more innovative and productive, and less likely to develop depression.

“Being thoughtful, sharing meals, having rituals, thinking of someone, will improve social health.”

She said there are four steps to belonging, starting with nourishing time alone.

“You can’t get a feeling of belonging with others unless you can learn to love your own time alone,” Dr Walker said.

“Belonging in social groups can mean spending time with people who celebrate you, belonging with others means you can have one-on-one exchanges, and collective belonging means being at conferences and having online encounters.”

Ray White Rockhampton Business Development Manager Emily Richardson talked about "irresistible growth” during her session ‘ Irresistible Growth: Be the One They Choose - and the One They Stay With’.

“If you want to elevate your performance, elevate your circle… Success begins with who is standing with you,” Ms Richardson said.

She told the audience that engagement increased through active listening.

“KPI’s we monitor are longer phone calls. Longer phone calls equal stronger relationships,” she said.

“Many people treat a phone call like a checklist and we need to shift that mindset.”

She said there was an art in asking the right questions.

“What’s most important to you? How’s your experience been with others, 20 per cent is for you to talk, and 80 per cent for your clients to talk.”

She said silence created intrigue.

“Silence makes you listen, it serves as a powerful tool,” Ms Richardson said.

“It’s about your expertise, confidence, and personality.

“Avoid rushing off the phone. Wrap up with a quick recap of the conversation today.”

She said the goal was to not make it just a long phone call, it’s a meaningful conversation.

“Momentum is contagious, our business has momentum and people are gravitating towards us,” Ms Richardson said.

“I made the decision that I wanted to be a top performer.

“Getting uncomfortable is where the magic happens. It’s a constant reminder of where growth exists - if you want to create momentum you first need to get uncomfortable.

“Make the decision today.

“If you don’t make that decision nothing will change. Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. Become unstoppable. Push the ball forward. Step into your comfort zone. Create momentum that lasts.”