What is Relational Poverty?

The Greatness Together Podcast

Have you ever been surrounded by people yet still felt deeply lonely? In this episode of The Greatness Together podcast, we delve into relational poverty—how our workplaces and social environments can leave us starved for meaningful connection. Join us as we explore the critical importance of human connection and the consequences of its absence, particularly in professional and academic settings.

Quote of the Week:

“Every person needs - from the start of life to the end - is to know that they matter to someone else and can depend on each other for support.” Sarah McVanel

Greatness Together Podcast Highlights:

• Relational Poverty: 0:00
• A complaint is a poorly worded request. 4:00
• Everyone needs connection. 8:00
• Coming together in times of crisis. 12:00
• Realizing who your people really are. 16:30
• Tell them… 18:30
• Thank them! 21:00
• Next time: Do You Show Yourself Love? 23:20

If Sarah has ever asked you after a keynote or book signing, “Is it okay if I hug you?” you know she is trying to respect your boundaries and that you got her in the feels! As we discuss in this episode, for most, the answer is “yes, please,” and for a few, if she hugged them, it would be the equivalent of nails on a chalkboard if she did. So, where’s the line? How do we navigate it? Why do we need to ask these questions? So we aren’t at risk of relational poverty.

A lack of meaningful connection, whether through touch, talk, or other forms of connection, can lead to feelings of emptiness and disengagement. It impacts mental health, satisfaction, and productivity in all our lives.

Understanding Relational Poverty

Relational poverty refers to the lack of meaningful connections and relationships in someone’s life, leading to feelings of isolation and emotional neglect. We discuss how this lack of deep connection can lead to feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by colleagues, friends and fellow students. The episode highlights the parallels between emotional and physical neglect, emphasizing how critical individuals need to feel seen and valued.

Recognition as Relational Currency

Recognition is vital for fostering meaningful connections in the workplace. Of course, Sarah would bring it back to recognition! Specifically, Sarah explains how recognition serves as relational currency, while rewards offer transactional currency; if you’re wondering why giving gift cards falls short in creating lasting engagement and yet a simple thank you yields vast results, you’ll understand the importance of relational currency. Authentic acknowledgment fosters a sense of belonging and community, which is essential for a thriving workplace culture.

The Importance of Touch

Research shows that physical touch is vital for development and emotional well-being. We’ve all heard of the effects on the babies in Romania who were in orphanages and were left in cribs most of the day; their cognition, social and emotional development suffered. Could adults also suffer, even if it’s not a developmental issue? Of course. We touch on the effects of societal norms that restrict touch in professional settings, particularly in roles like teaching. We should have boundaries; we just need meaningful verbal and visual cues for connection (look for more in an upcoming episode on mimicking, where we dive into the psychology behind mirroring).

We want you to listen because understanding relational poverty can transform how you engage with others at work and in your personal life. Discover strategies with us in this episode on how to build deeper connections and enhance your overall sense of fulfillment.

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