After four full days of learning and networking at FNCE 2023 in Denver, USA, it’s not easy being the closing speaker. But for Erica Dhawan, award-winning author and 21^st century collaboration expert, the challenge was an opportunity to shine.

In a moment of connection and inspiration, Erica invited the audience to rise from their seats and join her in a spirited Bollywood dance (a nod to her home country India). It was a reminder of the magic that happens when fun and teamwork converge.

But the real magic wasn’t in the dance, it was in the message Erica delivered. She reminded us of the incredible power of human connection in the modern workplace. In an era where 75% of face-to-face collaboration is non-verbal and 70% of connections are hybrid, connection and clear communication are the keys to unlocking the full potential of your team.

With her extensive experience as an executive leader, Erica has coined a concept she calls ‘connectional intelligence’. It’s the remarkable ability to unlock new and unrealised value by fully maximising the power of networks and relationships.

As the workplace landscape evolves toward remote and hybrid models, Erica emphasised the importance of mastering ‘digital body language’. She has distilled her wisdom into four laws of connectional intelligence:

• Value people visibly

  • Maximise in-person time, where possible
  • Perform high-complex tasks such as brainstorming and onboarding in-person
  • Acknowledge individual differences, such as considering the needs of both introverts and extroverts
  • Acknowledge and celebrate the ‘wins’

• Communicate carefully

  • Think before you type
  • Deliver with clarity – ask yourself who needs to be involved, what is the ask, what is the delivery date, and what is the priority level (and include in the subject line where possible)
  • Choose the right channel – e.g. challenging conversations are best done in-person

• Collaborate confidently

  • Inform the right people at the right time
  • Create sparring zones
  • Pay attention to details

• Trust totally

  • Create watercooler moments for informal social connections

In Erica’s world, empathy isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a tangible force that can transform a group of individuals into a unified, high-performing team. In the symphony of modern teamwork, ‘connectional intelligence’ is the melody that keeps us dancing in perfect harmony.