We all get busy. People drift. That’s natural, but it’s also easy to be the person who quietly helps reweave the social fabric with small, genuine gestures. Photo: freepik.com.
Amanda Setili says in a busy working world, it is all too easy to lose contact with a friend or former colleague. She suggests reviewing your contact book and calling someone you haven’t heard from in recent times.
You probably already know this, but I’m confident you could use a reminder, because someone just reminded me, and I was grateful.
A friend texted me about a mutual acquaintance in a group we both belong to. Neither of us knows the individual well.
However, my friend thought to ask about him, saying: “It occurred to me I haven’t seen Jack in months, have you?”
The exchange reminded me how important it is to check in regularly with others, especially loose connections who are easy to ignore for years at a time.
My newsletter, for example, is one way I keep in touch with people I value, some of whom I met more than 20 years ago.
You’d be amazed at how many people send me a personal note after one of my newsletters strikes a chord with them, and then we typically take that opportunity to catch up.
On a more general level, it doesn’t take much time to reach out and say: “I thought of you the other day.” Even better if you add a few details to illustrate what you remember about them and why you appreciate knowing them.
I was happy for my friend’s reminder, so think about who you know who you value but don’t see very often. Take a minute or two to say hello.
If you’re not sure who to reach out to, try scrolling through your contact book or old emails without any agenda. Let your intuition do the work.
Often a name will jump out, not because you need something, but because there’s still a thread of connection worth honouring.
We all get busy. People drift. That’s natural, but it’s also easy to be the person who quietly helps reweave the social fabric with small, genuine gestures.
In my experience, those check-ins often lead somewhere unexpected. A short hello turns into a coffee, a collaboration, or simply a warm moment that brightens both sides.
It’s not about outcomes; it’s about moving through the world in a connected and supportive manner. Valuing relationships is a powerful way to lead, especially when everyone is moving quickly.
Here’s to slowing down long enough to say: “You matter to me.”
Amanda Setili helps successful leaders and their teams agree on what needs to change and how to make it happen. She is the author of Fearless Growth: The New Rules to Stay Competitive, Foster Innovation, and Dominate Your Markets. Amanda can be contacted at www.setili.com. This article first appeared on Amanda’s website.
