The Importance of Connection
One of our deepest needs as humans is to connect with other humans. It’s what kept early humans safe — if you weren’t part of a strong community, you risked certain death.
As we evolved, the need evolved into a drive to feel part of a social community, to have deep connections to others. These connections trigger cognitive and physiological processes that influence emotional and mental states. Hugs drive oxytocin production. Laughter increases the dopamine needed for energy, focus and motivation. And play supports brain growth.
Yet we often feel anything but connected. As we strive to get everything done in our lives, to meet deadlines and deliver results, always distracted by on-line noise and social media, we find our interactions with others can be shallow or superficial.
We also hear the noise of our inner voices warning us against connecting — “they don’t care about you” or “they’re judging you — you’re not good/interesting/smart/attractive enough” — or warning us about others and how they might reflect on us — “they’re not good/interesting/smart/attractive enough.”
I’ve seen each of my clients struggle with this in their own way, and I’ve struggled with it personally. We retreat, we stay isolated, and we feel lonely and misunderstood.
Through coaching, we can begin to see this struggle as part of the human experience and something we all face. We can begin to quiet the inner voices. We listen and hear differently. We can open ourselves up to others and find warmth, understanding, compassion, support, and love through connection. We’re able to have a more positive impact on our families, friends, communities, and organizations.
Group coaching enhances this experience and delivers benefits unique to working within a group. Group members quickly experience that they aren’t alone. The group coaching framework, built on confidentiality and trust, creates a safe space that allows members to develop trust. They work together to harness the group’s collective wisdom as each member gains greater self-awareness and embraces growth and change. They create deep and real connections that they eagerly sustain long beyond the coaching engagement.
If this resonates, if you’re interested in growth and craving connection, consider joining one of our group coaching programs.
SMG group coaching programs are based on International Coaching Federation (ICF) methodology and coaching competencies, neuroscience of change, coaching best practices, and proven methods of supporting human development and growth.