Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work

by Melanie A. Katzman

#1 WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • USA TODAY BESTSELLER

A renowned business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world’s leading companies reveals the key to greater success, meaning, and joy at work

Technology has enabled us to be more interconnected today than ever before. So why do so many of us feel isolated and undervalued at work? Why does it feel like something is missing? It doesn’t have to be this way. In these rapidly changing, challenging times, how do we―YOU―develop the intuition, self awareness, and interpersonal agility required to prosper?

Here’s what we’ve lost track organizations are run by people, and people run on emotions. Strong relationships are the bedrock of lasting success, meaning, and joy at work. In this life changing guide, Dr. Melanie Katzman shows you an impactful approach to connect first as fellow humans, then as coworkers and colleagues, to forge the deep bonds that make a significant difference. Learn how

• Establish respect and make others feel valued
• Engage all of your senses to create a truly inclusive culture
• Become popular and be the person everyone wants to work with
• Grow loyalty by making it about them―your coworkers
• Resolve conflicts by remaining curious and open with others
• Fight fear (and prepare for the future) by stepping outside your comfort zone and experimenting with new ideas
• Have a big impact by leveraging your platform, living your values, and leading the change

Dr. Katzman presents 52 actions you can take immediately to create a deeply rewarding work life by connecting to yourself, your organization, and the world at large. These are the same powerful techniques she has used with leaders and employees at the world’s top companies to enhance productivity and foster fulfillment and joy at work―the hallmarks of true success.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Communication, Self Help

320 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2019

Reviews

[Jayma Pau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I whizzed through this and know I will go back to specific chapters as I need it. The author shared stories (from a variety of settings) as well as basic (but much needed) practical tips to enhance my professional life and relationships in general. I've already started behaving differently. I recommend this - if you think it's simple, it is, and it's grounded in science, sprinkled with wit in a way that makes it readable and memorable.

[Susan Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just a business book, Connect First is a “must read” for anyone who interacts with other human beings. Whether you work for a business or nonprofit, volunteer with a charitable organization or are a member of a team or club, this book is for you. Each of the 52 short chapters highlights an important lesson in treating people with dignity, respect and empathy. Beyond the lessons of academia, this book helps you tap into your humanity for greater happiness and effectiveness. A wide range of fascinating anecdotes bring each lesson to life and Dr. Katzman introduces academic and psychological theories to add substantive credibility to the material. Connect First is written with clarity and humor and is a pleasure to read, all in one sitting or over time in small doses. Whether you’re a millennial just starting out in the business world, a senior executive running an organization or a retiree volunteering with a nonprofit, this book will help you deepen your interpersonal relationships so that your team is more joyful and productive. Connect First deserves 10 out of 10 stars and I heartily recommend it to anyone looking to ignite success, meaning and joy at work (and beyond!)

[Gerry Sanseviero · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn’t one question, desire or concern that Connect First leaves unanswered in the search to create deeper meaning in all you do, and especially around your job and your work relationships.

With 52 easy steps (some you haven’t thought of, some you just need a reminder of…) Katzman wrote a book that should be required reading for every new hire (no matter the industry), any person at the (perceived) end of their career and every person thinking, “what do I want to be when I grow up?” no matter their age when they’re asking.

I gobbled the book up, and can't wait to put it into practice!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent must read top choice !! Witty wise and trustworthy compilation of research on best practices for how to create thriving cultures at work and home. The format of 52 short chapters is not only succinct, but appeals to how we read now. Whether you are new in the marketplace or in the C Suite, this book will enhance your efficacy and help you be a better leader and human being in the Digital Age!

[Christa (haines) Sheridan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katzman has some great and easy to implement ideas. I found her style to be very easy to read and she made it easy to assimilate. At times, I found the ideas inspired me to think of ways to do some things differently and I do plan to try out a few of these with a committee I recently joined at work. We're not yet comfortable with each other, and it think it might be because we haven't yet connected around a purpose.

[Joe Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing in both its content and its process, I was able to apply several of Dr. Katzman's 52 recommendations immediately, resulting in positive feedback from my staff and colleagues! This book was also very helpful in guiding me through a successful conflict resolution concerning a lingering work space issue, highly encourage managers and leaders, both corporate as well as NGO, to read this book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Katzman's book is a guide to straightforward, doable actions each of us can take right now to achieve better results in our professional lives. Although the book was written from the perspective of the workplace, the same recommendations can be used to achieve similar improvements in our personal lives. Excellent book. Immediate help.

[Courtney Riedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-rounded book of ideas to keep your humanity at work, connect with others, and spark interest in the day-to-day. The format of the book, divided into 52 short chapters, gives an idea that could be implemented every week of the year. This book is not just for C-suite readers; all of the topics can be applied in some way to people at all levels in an organization.

[Jess Grimes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was given this from work and did it book club style with my team - it was ultimately a good conversation starter for deeper topics but the book itself will likely fall on deaf ears because those who would need to be introduced to these subjects won’t pick up this book lol sorry for the pessimism :-)

[Crystal Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a focused application on the workplace, but it’s a really great book with quick, meaningful tips on how to improve some habits to be a better friend, citizen and family member. It’s not a book to read cover to cover (although I nearly did) but rather just read the short parts that apply to oneself.

[Sean Lowrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book easy to read and navigate. But don’t be misled by its pragmatism - this book contains deep wisdom about getting along with other people. In today’s turbulent world of global challenges, where the solutions are global and collaborative, we need this wisdom!

[Daniela Tejada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Katzman's book is a must-have for anyone trying to search for happiness at work. It illustrates very clearly how people can find rewards (and give back to others) simply by establishing connections that transcend business and look into our human essence.
DEFINITELY recommend it!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

52 topics in order to give you the opportunity to do one new thin a week. Most items are easy the last 10 seem more appropriate to big corporate organizations but the thoughts definitely give you a place to start.

[Sylvie M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book and the way it was layout. I felt like a bee buzzing from one topic to another.

[Aris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5. Fast read, nothing that you don't know here if you are working 5+ years in competitive environments, but well stated and broken down.

[Rachelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Connect First... a list of 52 activities to encourage a better work environment. The activites offer an example situation where the activity is applicable, and expanded moments or actions to consider if that habit is bothersome at your work. I found it cluttered, disconnected, and hard to relate to the advice throughout the book. This resource does not make me feel connected.

[Beth Melillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says it all. 52 ways simple ways connect with others. In actuality, there are a minimum of 10 good takeaways in each chapter and so overall its really 500+ good tactics, suggestions, and reminders for creating a people centric experience on the job. Good if you are looking for inspiration💡