Connecting With People: The Heart of Better Work
- Dr. Chip Roper
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 16
There's one word that captures how we can have better work: connection.
When I step into my office each morning, I'm reminded that the ultimate aim or purpose of my work isn't primarily about tasks, projects, or even outcomes. It's about people. Good work brings some kind of good to others.
Scripture reminds us that we were made for community, not isolation. "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment" (Proverbs 18:1). Yet in our digital, fast-paced work environments, meaningful connection often remains elusive.
From our recent Life@Work Study, we discovered something remarkable: the most significant source of joy at work comes from positively impacting others. Whether it's through the products or services we deliver, or the relationships we develop with colleagues, our joy is fundamentally linked to giving, uplifting, and investing in people.
But connection doesn't happen automatically. It requires intentionality. Here are three practical ways to deepen workplace connections:
Start with genuine curiosity: Ask open-ended questions that invite others to share more than surface-level information. "What are you excited about in your work right now?" opens doors that "How's it going?" simply cannot.
Practice presence: In a world of constant distraction, giving someone your full attention is increasingly rare and increasingly valuable. Put away your phone. Close your laptop. Make eye contact.
Honor the image of God in everyone: Each person you encounter bears God's image. When we approach interactions with this truth in mind, even difficult conversations become opportunities for honoring the divine spark in others.
As Tim Keller wisely taught us, "the highest concentration of the image of God is found where the most people are—cities." In our workplaces, we encounter that image daily, in all its beautiful diversity.
What if we approached each workday not just asking "What must I accomplish?" but "Who can I connect with today?" This small shift in focus might just transform your experience of work—and impact those around you in ways you never imagined.
Are you experiencing the joy that comes from authentic workplace connections? If not, we're here to help. VOCA coaches walk alongside professionals navigating workplace relationships, helping them discover deeper meaning and purpose in their daily interactions. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
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