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Better Relationships, Better Leadership, Better Work

Discover how intentional networking, remote leadership insights, and balancing tech with human connection can elevate your workplace impact.

🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Leadership and Community 🎉

In today’s HR Pulse, gain insight into how:

  • Intentional networking can build meaningful, lasting professional relationships with six actionable tips.

  • Remote work reveals key strengths and weaknesses in leadership styles, from communication to empathy.

  • Balancing technology and face-to-face communication can enhance trust, mental health, and workplace productivity.

These articles are penned by members of Forbes Human Resources Council, a community of successful human resources leaders on a mission to inspire.

Let’s dive in!

Build Meaningful Connections: Six Intentional Networking Tips

The best time to network? When you don’t need anything. Authentic, lasting relationships are built during the “quiet” moments—not just in times of urgency. Check out these actionable ways to reestablish your professional network with purpose and sincerity.

Here’s how to get started:

📩 Reconnect Deliberately: Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or collaborators. Start small with meaningful messages or comments on their updates.

Meet Without an Agenda: Focus on organic, relational conversations. Grab coffee or hop on a video chat to catch up on their current projects and goals.

🏢 Invest in Current Circles: Strengthen workplace bonds with regular check-ins. Build reciprocal connections that foster collaboration and growth.

🎉 Celebrate Peers: Acknowledge their contributions publicly or privately. LinkedIn recommendations, emails, or internal rewards systems work wonders.

📚 Stay Curious: Keep learning through books, conferences, or conversations. Your insights will make you a trusted resource in your network.

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  • And Much More: from premium travel and lifestyle benefits to exclusive virtual knowledge-sharing events, members join to learn and grow with their peers.

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What Remote Work Teaches Us About Leadership

Remote work has transformed more than just where we work; it’s revealed how we lead. From communication to empathy, working remotely sheds light on leadership strengths and areas for growth.

Here’s a glimpse of the top ways this model highlights your leadership style:

💬 Your Communication Habits Matter: Remote work tests your ability to communicate clearly and proactively. Emotional intelligence, timely responses, and using the right tools to build trust and clarity within your team.

🔄 Adaptability Is Non-Negotiable: Managing virtually requires flexibility. Leaders who embrace change, like streamlining redundant tools, foster smoother workflows and stronger team collaboration.

🔍 Flaws in Management Are Amplified: Micromanagement and disconnected leadership are common pitfalls in remote teams. Effective leaders balance trust with oversight, empowering employees to thrive independently while staying engaged.

Rediscovering the Power of Face-to-Face Communication

These days, our reliance on screens often overshadows the value of personal interactions. Reflecting on the importance of balancing technology with human connection, especially in the workplace, is essential.

Here’s why verbal communication matters more than ever:

👥 Face-to-Face Builds Trust: In-person conversations allow for nonverbal cues and quicker feedback, fostering trust and minimizing misunderstandings—something digital communication often lacks.

📱 Tech Dependency Hurts Mental Health: Over-reliance on phones can increase anxiety, depression, and stress. “Phubbing” (snubbing someone for your phone) erodes workplace relationships and reduces empathy and trust.

📉 Productivity Takes a Hit: Constant phone checks and multitasking lower focus, efficiency, and accuracy—even when supervisors “phub” employees, which can harm morale and performance.

🌿 HR’s Role in Restoring Balance: HR leaders can promote a culture of meaningful interaction by establishing boundaries for tech use and encouraging personal connections. Prioritizing face-to-face engagement supports mental health, productivity, and workplace community.

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will absolutely love: Forbes Human Resources Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together the brightest minds in the industry — human resources leaders and executives.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on Forbes.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Forbes Human Resources Council today, and become part of an elite group of global HR leaders driving transformation in recruitment and human resources.