Hi, I’m April Beyer. If there’s one truth I’ve learned deeply, whether through helping people build relationships or guiding leaders on their journey, it’s this: connection is at the core of everything we do. It’s what transforms our conversations, our teams, and our workplaces into thriving environments.
As a female leader and speaker, I understand the value of building trust and relatability. It’s not just about having the right message; it’s about engaging authentically with others and making them feel seen and valued. When I step in front of an audience or work with a team, I don’t just aim to share knowledge; I want to build a connection far beyond our conversation.
In this post, I want to share the strategies that have helped me and others build meaningful connections that lead to long-lasting engagement in the workplace.
Why is Employee Engagement Important?
Employee engagement is more than a business strategy; it’s the foundation of a thriving team. When employees are engaged, they bring more than just their skills to the table—they bring their energy, creativity, and commitment. I’ve seen it firsthand. When people feel heard and valued, they show up with their best selves. Think about your relationships outside of work. Are you loyal and dedicated because someone told you to be so? Or because it’s easy and natural to be your best self with the people you care about?
Engaged employees aren’t just doing the work; they’re invested and inspired. They care about the outcome and are motivated by a sense of purpose. As leaders, especially women in leadership, we have an incredible opportunity to nurture that engagement through relatability, authenticity, and empathy. When we show up as our true selves, we empower others to do the same.
What is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement is employees’ connection and commitment to their work and the company’s mission. But more than just a metric, engagement is about building an environment where people feel they’re contributing to something bigger. It’s about transforming “just a job” into a meaningful experience. Today’s employees are no longer willing to simply survive at work; they need and want to thrive.
I always say engaged employees aren’t just clocking in; they’re excited to be part of something. They feel genuinely connected to their work, colleagues, and the company’s goals. That kind of engagement doesn’t happen by chance; it’s cultivated through connection and leadership that understands people on a deeper level.
Relatability in Leadership
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that being relatable is a game-changer in leadership. I remember working with a female executive who felt she had to keep her distance to maintain authority. The more she distanced herself, the more disconnected her team became. But everything changed when we discussed her showing her true self, challenges, dreams, and journey. Suddenly, her team didn’t just see her as their boss; they saw her as a human being who understood their struggles. That shift transformed her leadership and engagement in her team.
Relatability is about being vulnerable and authentic. As women, we often feel the pressure to be perfect, but showing our real selves draws people in and builds trust. When your team sees that you understand their challenges, they will more likely engage with and connect with your vision.
Engagement Strategies for Lasting Connections
So, how do we apply these lessons to building lasting workplace connections? Here are some strategies I’ve used over the years:
Show Genuine Interest
Engagement starts when people feel seen. Ask your team about their lives outside work, goals, challenges, and what motivates them. When you show genuine care for the whole person, not just the employee, you build trust, which is the foundation of engagement. Curiosity shouldn’t be used to obtain information. It’s the vehicle for connection. Imagine two people on a first date. The person who only asks a list of qualifying, superficial questions rarely gets a second date. Sharing is caring, but curiosity is the key to building lasting relationships.
Lead by Listening
Listening is one of the most powerful tools we have as leaders. I don’t just mean hearing words; I mean truly understanding. Active listening involves attention to body language, the look in someone’s eyes, and how they share. It allows you to dive deeper into hidden issues in the workplace that are typically overlooked. This listening level builds connection, shows empathy, and helps create an environment where employees feel valued. I’ve had conversations with teams where just listening led to breakthroughs in engagement and performance.
Make Communication Interactive
Leadership isn’t about delivering a one-sided message. It’s about creating a two-way conversation. When you invite feedback and input, your team feels their voices matter. That sense of inclusion makes people more invested in their work. Bring yourself to every conversation, and everyone will benefit.
Share Your Journey
I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling. Sharing my journey, wins, failures, and lessons create an emotional connection with those I lead. When I speak on stage or with teams, I share what I’ve learned and how I’ve learned it. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s a strength. And it’s what connects us on a human level.
Invest in Career Development
People are more engaged when they see a path forward. When you invest in your team’s growth, offering them opportunities for learning and development, you show that you believe in their potential. Employees who feel like their leaders are invested in their future will show up with that same energy and passion.
Building a Culture of Connection to Foster Engagement
Building individual relationships is just the start. Long-lasting engagement is about fostering a culture of connection. A culture where people feel valued, respected, and part of something meaningful doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we, as leaders, prioritize connection in every interaction. It takes courage and willingness to toss out the old rules of engagement and develop a new way of working together. But it’s worth it. If we have engagement, we have everything we need to succeed.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to create that culture, show up with empathy and authenticity, and lead in a way that encourages connection and trust. When we do that, engagement follows, and we receive the support and excitement that fuels our mission. Yes, you need support as well. Leadership can be a lonely existence. It’s about creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and motivated to bring their best selves to work daily.
Conclusion: Engage, Empower, and Lead with Heart
Leadership is an ongoing journey that requires us to engage with empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to connection. As female leaders, we have the unique ability to foster environments where engagement thrives. When we lead with our hearts, we inspire our teams to do the same. I might have started my career in the matchmaking industry, but ultimately, it’s still a business of leadership. I owe much of my success in helping people find lasting relationships and marriages to my ability to bring my humanity to my work.
So, as you move forward, remember that the strongest connections are built on honesty and vulnerability. Show up as your true self, and you’ll create lasting connections that empower everyone to succeed.
