Building Connection Means Building New Possibilities

Nature has an intelligence we would be wise to pay attention to. As October arrives, we watch the plants slow down, connecting with their environment to prepare for the colder months. Though they may appear dormant, they are quietly preparing for new growth and opportunities. This cycle, one that nature handles with ease and determination, offers a lesson—the value of pausing to connect with those around us.

At PeopleSense Consulting, we embrace this seasonal shift through our annual pro-bono initiative, Graceful Giving, a fall tradition designed to give back to the nonprofit leaders who make such an impact in our communities. They are often under-funded and overworked, yet they continue to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues. Through Graceful Giving, we aim to help them recharge and reconnect with their teams and their missions.

Over the years, we’ve heard from many Graceful Giving participants, and a common thread runs through their reflections: Connection. Taking time to understand each other better and build stronger relationships are at the heart of what participants value most.

Connection in Action

In today’s fast-paced world, the idea of pausing to connect can seem like a luxury. With full schedules and constant pressure to do more, faster, how often do we find ourselves thinking, “I should really give Sue a call to see how she’s handling that new change,” only to follow it with, “She’ll reach out if she needs me”? What we overlook is that Sue might have appreciated that outreach, that simple gesture of care.

Beth Woods, Executive Director of Hope’s Promise, experienced this firsthand. “Graceful Giving helped me become aware of my tendency to be driven and results-oriented. I realized I needed to make a conscious effort to slow down and connect with my staff. Now, I schedule monthly one-on-one lunches with each team member to build relational connections.” This shift toward intentional connection helped Beth nurture a more supportive and collaborative work environment.

Connection across Fields

The significance of connection extends beyond the nonprofit world. Rebekkah McLellan, who transitioned from philanthropy to law enforcement, found the lessons she learned through Graceful Giving shaped her leadership in a completely different context. “On my first day of training as a law enforcement officer, I was made team lead of 25 strangers, most with prior LEO experience. The biggest challenge I faced was maintaining team morale in a highly stressful environment. What I found most effective was simply listening—validating their concerns, commiserating with them, and advocating when I could. Even though I had no control over the situation, being there for my team made all the difference. People want to be heard and respected, no matter what field they’re in.”

Looking Ahead

In this season of reflection and giving, it’s important to remember that connection is not “fluffy” or a “nice-to-have” afterthought. It’s essential. Never underestimate its power because it says you care. It says the other person is important. It means that you will propel your goals further together. Do you have time for that?

As Liz Gamache, Chief Development Officer at United Way of Northwest Vermont, shared: “By making time to meet with peers through the Graceful Giving program, I found reflection and growth. It reminded me of how important it is to lead with intention and compassion.”

This October, as we celebrate nonprofits, their missions, and their people, remember what comes naturally to the trees at this time of year. And may the many connections you make become a vibrant collection of autumn colors that mean new possibilities are coming.