How to Develop Lasting Personal Connections in a Digital WorldBy Connie Certusi Virtual communications have dramatically changed the way we interact with others in the workplace. With the ability to immediately access the information we need to do our jobs, we become more productive.This can be a great thing, but over time it can lead to less personal engagement with our colleagues. Picking up the phone or stopping by someones desk to ask a uestion becomes more of a chore because we can send an email instead and continue on to the ne!t task."f course there is immense value in digital communication. #ocial media can greatly improve the way businesses communicate with their customers, and through the use of video calling tools like #kype, instant messaging, and email, businesses can signi$cantly reduce costs.%ut when we avoid personal contact with colleagues, feelings of isolation can set in. There isnt a mobile app or social platform that can replace the power of face&to&face communication.'ere are four suggestions to make relationships more real and meaningfulin the workplace(1. Get out of the offce. "ne of the best ways to build a relationship with a work colleague is simply to get out of the of$ce. Personal relationships arecultivated when people can rela! and be themselves. )f a team building activity is needed, try thinking outside the bo! and doing something different that everyone can enjoy. ) recently heard of some work colleagues taking an evening to do a *wine and design+ activity as a way to celebrate a recent success. Through these types of activities people can e!perience something new together, take opportunities to sociali,e and get to know each other in a more personal setting, and walk away with a positive and fun memory.2. See learning! "e inspired. -ttending an industry conference, seminar or workshop can be an enriching way to gain business knowledge while making connections with other professionals and thought leaders in your $eld. .ou may be able to learn from others who have been through similar struggles and can provide interesting insights. These types of events also provide valuable opportunities to network and share ideas. Take every opportunity to increase your knowledge, be inspired and motivated, discuss new concepts, and e!change ideas with peers. #haring among peers is one of the best bene$ts of a conference.#. $he %entor&%entee relationship. Participating in a mentorship program is a great way to build a lasting and mutually bene$cial connection. /entoringbreaks through the formalities and allows both parties to let down their guard. %y being open about setbacks, goals, and future plans, the mentor and mentee are able to work together and learn from each other. -s a mentee, you can bene$t from the guidance and unbiased perspective of someone you admire and trust. - mentor, on the other hand, learns how tobe a more effective manager and how to handle situations with greater understanding.'. (ar)ing levels of connection. The interactions that you have with others dont have to be freuent to be valuable. There is value in all different levels of relationships whether they are nurtured on a daily basis or treated more casually with intermittent communication. -t all levels, its important to understand how the relationship can be mutually bene$cial. 0onsider how you can help them accomplish their goals, and vice versa.1stablishing personal connections takes time, effort, and energy. Whether the connection is weak or strong, taking the time to further develop them will someday pay off.