The Art of Relationships

Why Community & Connection Still Matter in Business and Beyond

If you know me, you know I’m not one for small talk — but I am about real talk. I’ve lived a life that taught me to value the quiet moments, the firm handshakes, the eye contact that says “I see you.” Whether behind concrete walls or sitting across from business leaders, one thing has remained true: relationships are the foundation of everything that lasts.

I’ve walked both sides of society — incarcerated and free, overlooked and invited in — and I can tell you, no position or paycheck will ever replace the impact of a person who cares enough to connect. And that starts with how we show up, every day, for each other.

That’s something my grandfather, "Dutch", understood better than most. He was what you’d call an old-school, traditional businessman. Many talents. Firm handshake. Always ready with a word of encouragement. Even well into his later years, he never left the house without a pocket full of his signature business cards.

On one side: a simple yellow smiley face. On the other: “Have a nice day, you’re a special person!” followed by 1 Corinthians 13, the Bible’s famous chapter on love.

He handed them out to waiters, strangers in the grocery line, bank tellers — anyone. Not to get something in return, but to remind them: You matter. You’re seen.

And here we are, in a world where we rarely look up from our phones long enough to see one another.

COVID changed us. Maybe forever. We got used to distance. We became cautious of eye contact, hugs, handshakes — basic human rituals of connection.

A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 65% of Americans say they feel less connected to their local community now than they did before the pandemic. Another study by Cigna reported that loneliness — which was already a growing issue — reached “epidemic levels” during lockdown and hasn’t bounced back.

The American Psychological Association notes that social isolation has both psychological and physical health impacts, increasing the risk of premature death at levels comparable to smoking or obesity. And while some people embraced introversion, many of us are still craving deeper connection without knowing how to return to it.

This isn’t just about missing happy hours or church gatherings — it’s about a fracture in the way we relate to one another.

It’s not just on the streets or in our neighborhoods — we’re seeing this same disconnection in business, too.

According to Harvard Business Review, nearly 70% of employees say they don’t feel “connected” to their coworkers. This lack of connection leads to lower engagement, higher turnover, and even poor performance in teams.

A Gallup report showed that organizations with high employee engagement have 21% higher profitability, yet only 33% of American workers consider themselves “engaged.” Engagement, at its core, is relational. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and valued in a community — even if that community is the workplace.

Trust in business has also taken a hit. The Edelman Trust Barometer 2024 found that only 51% of people globally trust business leaders to do what is right. This erosion of confidence is not about competence — it’s about relationship. People no longer trust systems that don’t feel human.

Meanwhile, small businesses — the heart of any community — have struggled to regain trust and loyalty from local customers. A National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey noted that more than 40% of small business owners feel disconnected from their communities, despite wanting to be more involved.

We’re living in a time of major generational shift. And this isn’t the first time history has watched one generation reshape how the world works. Back in the 1960s and ’70s, Baby Boomers upended the status quo — rejecting rigid workplace norms, redefining family roles, and fueling movements that demanded justice, equity, and authenticity. That era brought civil rights legislation, women’s liberation, and a new lens for community.

Today’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha are creating their own kind of shift. They’re digital-first, often remote, and they value authenticity over tradition. This isn’t a bad thing — it’s just different. And that difference is our opportunity.

A 2024 report from McKinsey & Company found that Gen Z workers prioritize flexibility, autonomy, and a strong sense of belonging at work. In fact, over 70% of Gen Z respondents said they are more loyal to employers who foster inclusive cultures and support personal growth.

Similarly, research by Gallup shows that younger generations are increasingly drawn to companies and communities that align with their values — not just job titles or paychecks. In family dynamics too, younger generations are pushing for openness, emotional intelligence, and shared values over old-school hierarchy. These are signs that we’re not losing connection — we’re evolving how it looks.

Instead of fighting the change, let’s embrace it. We don’t need to go back to crowded networking rooms or “business as usual.” What we need is to make room for new forms of connection:

• Digital doesn’t mean distant. Use technology to check in, mentor, and build across miles.

• Shared values matter more than titles. Build teams and families on mutual respect.

• Storytelling bridges gaps. Be real. Be vulnerable. People don’t follow perfection, they follow truth.

• Relational leadership is the future. A study from MIT Sloan found that teams led with emotional intelligence and transparency outperform those driven solely by data and objectives.

• Community-building boosts business. Research from the University of Michigan shows that businesses that invest in their local neighborhoods see up to 25% more customer loyalty.

  
  

In this new day, 1 Corinthians 13 isn’t outdated — it’s more relevant than ever. Love that is patient and kind? That’s emotional intelligence. Love that doesn’t boast or dishonor others? That’s cultural humility. Love that “always protects, always trusts, always hopes”? That’s what every generation still longs for.

This scripture reminds us that in every era of change, some truths remain. The core of human success — in business, family, or society — is the way we relate. Not with dominance, but with dignity. Not with speed, but with sincerity.

Faith-based or not, this principle offers a guiding light: lead with love, and you’ll lead with legacy.

We’re not going backward. We’re moving forward with heart. Let’s bring back the art of relationships. Not because we’re trying to sell something… but because we still believe people are worth the effort.

Just like my grandfather did.

With purpose and grace,

-Troy Rienstra