More Praise for the First Edition

“Packed with rock-solid evidence, disturbing statistics and moving stories, this short but passionate plea for connectedness at work and in life delivers a wake-up call. How connected you feel to other people at work turns out to be the primary driver of your sense of engagement as an employee, but Americans in particular have let relationships and community suffer. Experts Michael Lee Stallard, Jason Pankau and Katharine P. Stallard explain why people need to connect. getAbstract recommends this quick read to leaders who want to build places where the best people want to work and connect.” —getAbstract

“Connection Culture really captures the why and how to mobilize an organization to work together toward a compelling vision. The insights about the unique contributions of the leader and the leadership team are especially useful.” —Alan Mulally, Retired CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes and The Ford Motor Company

“Every manager needs to read this book—it will foster healthier work environments and make my job a lot easier!” —Ted George, MD, Clinical Professor, George Washington University School of Medicine; Senior Investigator, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

“Our organization has benefited greatly from the principles in Connection Culture. The book creates an engaging framework for leaders who want more for their businesses and employees. It is a must read for anyone leading an organization.” —Mike Cunnion, Chief Executive Officer, Remedy Health Media

“Connection Culture lays out a compelling case for a culture of connection in every organization and provides a framework for leaders who want to apply positive personal values in practice in their organizations and teams.” —John Young, Group President, Chief Business Officer, Pfizer

“Connection Culture captures the profound truth that people come first and provides the framework, language, and practices every leader needs to achieve a sustainable, superior performance. A great leadership guide for leaders at every level.” —Frances Hesselbein, President and CEO, The Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute

“A wonderful book … Connection Culture isn’t a very long or wordy book, but it’s loaded with lessons.” —Small Business Trends

“At the end of the day leadership is all about the human experience. Connection Culture provides ideas, actions, and pathways that servant leaders can use to not only enhance performance, but more importantly to build a strong culture.” —Howard Behar, Former President, Starbucks International

“The message of Connection Culture is profoundly personal yet ultimately universal. If you think you know what connection really means, you’ll come away with a whole new perspective once you have read this gracefully written book.” —Bruce Rosenstein, Managing Editor, Leader to Leader, Author, Create Your Future the Peter Drucker Way

“Leadership is about relationships. Connection Culture reveals the art and science of creating a culture that builds relationships and drives performance.” —David Burkus, Author, The Myths of Creativity and Under New Management

“Engaging, while offering real solutions to human challenges that occur in the workplace! As someone who has researched and published in the field of organizational psychology, I can honestly say that Connection Culture is right on target and a book that every leader should race to get their hands on.” —Karla R. Peters-Van Havel, Chief Operating Officer, The Institute for Management Studies

“Thank you, Michael, for reminding us again that people—customers and employees—are the most important ingredient of any business. Leaders place so much emphasis on the operations and financials, but people connecting and working together is the key to success.” —Jay Morris, Vice President, Education, Executive Director, Institute for Excellence, Yale New Haven Health

“Connection Culture grabbed my attention from the beginning and had me jumping on the phone to share its ideas with friends and colleagues. We have to do better as leaders and as teachers of leadership development to be intentional in creating and sustaining connection cultures. Even when you think you’ve got it all in place (the surveys, training, recognition awards, and celebrations), disconnection creeps in. You must read this book.” —Janis Apted, Associate Vice President, Faculty and Academic Development, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

“Too many leadership books focus on developing work experience without acknowledging the rest of our lives. Connection Culture demonstrates how the positive habits, relationships, and character we’ve developed in the workplace can serve us well at home and in our communities. Not only does this deep exploration of connection culture explain the positive effects of using these skills, it also offers ways to get started on the journey.” —James daSilva, Senior Editor, SmartBrief on Leadership

“Connection works when we work on connection. Michael Stallard draws us in with his stories, convinces us with his evidence, and guides us with his recommendations. He concludes by inviting us to mark the day we finish the book as the start of a new outlook, focused on establishing a thriving work culture through freshly enlivened, engaged, and enriched connections.” —David Zinger, Founder, Employee Engagement Network