Why Workplace Friendships Aren’t Protecting Leaders from Disconnection

a blue hot air balloon above the clouds a metaphor for workplace loneliness and workplace relationships

You’ve probably heard the phrase: “It’s lonely at the top.” And while there’s truth in that idea, our latest Ally Mindset™ Profile data suggests something more nuanced, and more concerning, is happening inside today’s workplaces. Senior leaders are not necessarily alone. But many still feel profoundly disconnected. That distinction matters, because it changes everything about … Read more

Workplace Disconnection: How Leaders Rebuild Connection in Teams

workplace disconnection caused by disconnected leaders resulting in disconnected teams

Workplace disconnection is becoming one of the biggest leadership challenges facing organizations today. Your team is talking constantly. Slack messages. Zoom calls. Status updates. Meetings about the meetings. And yet people still feel disconnected at work. Leaders tell me some version of the same thing every week:“Collaboration feels harder.”“People seem checked out.”“We’re communicating more than … Read more

Your Colleagues Called. They Miss You.

a line drawing of a robot colleague emerging from a computer screen high fiving a human colleague sitting at a desk representing workplace loneliness and AI

by Eric Spencer Workplace loneliness is at a crisis point. Most organizations are making it worse — accidentally. Here’s what the research says, and what to do about it. I wrote this article with the help of an AI. First time. And yes, it felt a little weird. I’m a GenX leadership consultant who has … Read more

Why Human Connection Matters More in an AI World

Morag Barrett keynote speaker on human connection at work

Let me tell you what’s quietly happening while you’re busy optimizing your workflows. Your most important career skill, the one that no algorithm can replicate, is atrophying. And most of us haven’t noticed, because the thing replacing it feels like connection. It has the shape of a connection. It’s just not the real thing. I’m talking about … Read more

Stop Treating December 31st Like a Deadline from the Universe

test reads We wish you a happy new year 2026

It’s that time of year when the internet turns into one big performance review. Your feed fills with posts urging you to finish strong, start smart, reset for success, or, my personal favorite, upgrade your mindset before midnight. It’s as if Cinderella’s carriage now comes with KPIs. It’s exhausting. And honestly? A bit overwhelming. I’ve … Read more

From Chaos to Connection: Navigating Holiday Relationship Dynamics at Work and Home

skyeteam wearing santa hats - relationship dynamics

The holidays are here, bringing the complexities of relationship dynamics to the forefront. Whether it’s office celebrations, end-of-year deadlines, or family gatherings, this time of year is packed with opportunities to strengthen—or strain—our most important connections. As we explore in You, Me, We, professional or personal relationships are built (or broken) in small moments. The … Read more

Are You Having Enough Fun? Why Workplace Joy Matters More Than Ever

SkyeTeam Workplace Joy

When was the last time you felt genuine joy at work? I’m not talking about a polite smile during a team meeting or a quick laugh at a colleague’s joke. I mean that deep sense of delight that makes you think, “This is exactly where I want to be.” At SkyeTeam, we’ve discovered something powerful: … Read more

The Power of Listening: 4 Steps to Stronger Work Relationships

SkyeTeam Eric Spencer, Morag Barrett, Ruby Vesely listening to each other

Want to know a secret? Listening is the key to building stronger relationships. Think about the last conversation you had with someone at work. Who were you speaking to? What were you talking about? And here’s the question that matters most: Did that conversation leave your relationship stronger, weaker, or in the same place as … Read more