In November, I spent 8 nights in Las Vegas (not a typo-- EIGHT nights).

The week began with me delivering a Strategic Storytelling workshop, then attending a leadership conference and for the remainder of the week, five college girlfriends flew into Vegas from across the country for a reunion. 

We first met when we were eighteen, assigned to the same dorm. Our last names were all from R-Z and that's how we ended up together. Those days were filled with so many ups and downs as we adjusted to living away from home, learned how and what classes to register for, supported each other through hookups and breakups, and figured out the how to manage our time. It didn’t take long before we could finish each other’s sentences. We got t-shirts made up to signal our friendship. We cooked dinners together every weekend. We organized dormitory parties. We took road trips. We laughed and cried and were pretty inseparable for all four years.

The ease with which we connect so many years later is not surprising. It’s because we shared so many meaningful and unforgettable experiences. And we are still eager to create new ones. I’m describing this lasting relationship because when you can relate to someone, it’s so much easier to coordinate, collaborate and celebrate.

In the workplace, we don’t always get to know every client or customer and colleague. Pick one. Suppose you took the time to reveal a little bit about yourself or something you care about. Could that open the door to them sharing something in return? Maybe a better understanding of where each of you is coming from? Perhaps a deeper professional connection that leads to better outcomes? Possibly a fan forever...