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“Connection is the foundation of effective leadership.” -Dr. Rosalind Cohen
In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin sits down with Dr. Rosalind Cohen to explore why authentic human connection is the foundation of effective leadership. In a world filled with engagement surveys, Dr. Roz makes the case that what people truly want at work is something much simpler: to feel seen, valued, and like they belong.
If you've ever wondered why some workplace cultures thrive while others struggle, this conversation is for you. Using research and practical examples, Dr. Roz shares how leaders can create radically connected cultures where people feel safe, included, and inspired to do their best work.
Inside This Episode:
- Engagement and Belonging Are Not the Same Thing: Dr. Roz unpacks the critical difference between employee engagement and belonging, explaining why participation alone isn't enough. True belonging happens when people genuinely feel seen, valued, and included.
- Why Perks Can't Replace Connection: Free snacks, flexible work policies, and office perks have their place—but they cannot substitute for authentic relationships. Dr. Roz explores why meaningful conversations remain the heart of strong workplace culture.
- Small Moments Create Big Culture Shifts: Culture isn't built during annual retreats alone. Dr. Roz shares how simple practices like coffee chats, intentional check-ins, and curiosity-driven conversations can strengthen trust and connection every day.
- Inclusive Leadership Is Built Through Behavior: Creating a connected culture requires more than mission statements and slogans. Dr. Roz discusses the leadership behaviors that foster psychological safety, including curiosity, thoughtful responses, and a "yes, and" mindset.
- Belonging Is a Leadership Strategy: Dr. Roz explains how intentional rituals, leadership habits, and human-centered communication create stronger teams and higher-performing organizations.
What to Do Now:
- Schedule One Connection Conversation: Reach out to a colleague for a coffee chat or informal check-in with no agenda other than getting to know them better.
- Create a Ritual of Belonging: Introduce a simple team ritual, such as personal check-ins or moments of appreciation, to strengthen connection and trust.
- Remember That Culture Happens in Small Moments: Every interaction is an opportunity to build belonging. Notice how the everyday conversations you have shape the culture around you.
About the Guest
Dr. Rosalind Cohen is an organizational psychologist, speaker, researcher, and workplace culture strategist dedicated to helping organizations build more inclusive, connected, and human-centered workplaces. Dr. Roz specializes in employee belonging, engagement, and leadership development, partnering with leaders and organizations to create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Through her research, consulting, and thought leadership, she challenges organizations to move beyond surface-level engagement efforts and intentionally cultivate cultures rooted in trust, inclusion, and authentic connection.
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If this conversation made you think differently about work, leadership, or building joyful teams, please follow Workday Playdate on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use more play in their workday.
