The Magic of the Connect Circle (And Why Your Team Needs One)

For the past five years, I’ve started every Harvard cohort, University of Alberta EMBA group, and countless consulting engagements with the same simple (but powerful) experience: the Connect Circle.

Hundreds of people—from complete strangers to longtime colleagues—have sat in a circle, shared a thoughtful question, and truly listened to one another. No interruptions. No distractions. Just undivided attention and space for everyone to be heard.

And every single time? Something remarkable happens.

People walk away feeling acknowledged, understood, and connected in a way they rarely do at work. Walls come down. Shared values emerge. Teams realize, “Hey, we’re more alike than we thought.”

Here’s what we hear again and again:

  • “I’ve worked beside this person for years and never knew that about them.”

  • “No one has ever listened to me without interrupting.”

  • “This group can do anything if we build on our strengths.”

  • “I feel honored to be part of this.”

Why Connection Comes First

High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. They’re built on trust, understanding, and—above all—real connection. That’s why we’re obsessed with this principle:

Connect Before Content.

Before diving into strategy, metrics, or problem-solving, what if your team took just one hour to truly connect? The ripple effect could be game-changing.

Want to Try It?

We’ve created a simple DIY guide to help leaders facilitate their own Connect Circle. And because we believe in this so deeply, we’re offering a special Friends & Family package on August 15 for $249.

More than selling a tool—it’s about testing an idea we think could make work better. If you (or someone you know) wants to pilot this and share feedback, we’d love your help.

Interested? Email me at lorne@belongify.com, and we’ll send you the details. No pressure—just an invitation to join a movement that puts people first.

Because at the end of the day? Connection changes everything.

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now, 

— Lorne and Garrett Rubis
















































































































































































































































































































































 

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