Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work

Heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Melanie Katzman for this pivotal masterpiece on what it means to live our best life!  It's a "must-read" for anyone who desires to grow and evolve, as she takes us to a heightened awareness of connection:  to ourselves, our organizations, and the bigger world.  You will want this book to read and reference again and again, and to give it to others at work and in your non-work life.Melanie shares so generously, where the simplest concepts are grounded in memorable stories and deep understanding of the 'why'.  Her writing is hugely engaging, a subtle style of warmth, humor, and impact.  My awareness was transformed as I "connected" with each section and shifted my perspective and in many cases, took immediate action prompted by the book.   And it doesn't stop there!  Dr. Katzman invites us to "Connect the Dots" in our own lives, expanding our vision, giving ourselves permission to dream big, with insights and inspiring real-life stories.  An inner work blueprint, simple yet profound - a foundation to create our own destiny.  Melanie truly lives the lessons in this book... she demonstrates through real-life stories of her own experiences and growth.  She is the ultimate sponsor, sharing her lived professional experiences, shining the light of gratitude on all who enter her orbit.  Dr. Katzman provides a simple yet profound map for each of us to stand for our own growth, striving to be the best we can in all areas of life.

More than just a business book, Connect First is a “must read” for anyone who interacts with other human beings. Whether you work for a business or nonprofit, volunteer with a charitable organization or are a member of a team or club, this book is for you. Each of the 52 short chapters highlights an important lesson in treating people with dignity, respect and empathy. Beyond the lessons of academia, this book teaches you how to tap into your humanity to bring greater happiness and effectiveness. A wide range of fascinating anecdotes bring each lesson to life and Dr. Katzman introduces academic and psychological theories to add substantive credibility to the material. Connect First is written with clarity and humor and is a pleasure to read, all in one sitting or over time in small doses. Whether you’re a millennial just starting out in the business world, a senior executive running an organization or a retiree volunteering with a nonprofit, this book will help you deepen your interpersonal relationships so that your team is more joyful and productive. Connect First deserves 10 out of 10 stars and I heartily recommend it to anyone looking to ignite success, meaning and joy at work (and beyond!)

“Connect First” is one of the best business books I have ever read. It is extremely well-written and provides the reader with over 50 specific, actionable tips to improve communication and increase connectedness. I was able to apply the learnings as much in my personal life as I was my professional. I love all the examples, case studies, and “Take Action” sections which help you really understand how to use the strategies on your playing field. If you’re interested in super-charging your ability to form authentic and meaningful relationships, this book is for you. Dr. Paul Marciano, author of “Let’s Talk About It: Turning Confrontation into Collaboration”

Reading through this highly accessible book helps to confirm and reinforce approaches I’ve already committed to as well as provide many more actionable tools and tactics that inspire me to go further. The author’s breadth of knowledge and experience are evident, and her voice is infused with humor and a genuine caring about people and how to help them in the place they spend more time than anywhere else. The book has value across a wide range of audiences and industries, from new in the workforce to experienced leaders, from Boomers to Millennials – including helping both generations unlock how to work better together. I’d want to have it available on the counter at the office espresso machine for everyone to review and come back to while brewing that daily latte!

Connect First is a great reminder, that many of the changes needed to improve our enjoyment and sense of purpose at work, are small changes and that are actually fairly easy to do. Life is busy! So while I enjoy reading books with frameworks around creating purpose and culture in the work-place, I frequently don't know what steps to take afterwards - particularly on my own without lots of time to spare. This book translates really interesting food-for-thought into easy action. There are 52 straight-forward suggestions, that I can implement on my own, and experiment with, to see what feels right for me. Highly recommended.

This book is a gem for people both in and out of the workplace who embrace the importance of relationships in creating productive, respectful dealings that result in win win situations. Dr. Katzman’s writing style is refreshingly plain-speak; offers practical and tangible examples of ways to act; and gets to the point clearly and succinctly. A fast read and easily used as a handbook. In this digital age, all can benefit from this wonderful book. Barb Stein

I wish I had this book 40 years ago when I started a business!And grateful to have it now to make it so clear how to have betterwork relationships!This book is easy to read and understand what needs to be done.It will make a great gift for the people I work with. Thank you! Got it!

Reading this book is like getting advice from a wise, good friend. It provides a common sense, and usually ignored way to approach work, and life, focusing on improving relationships and connections. I bought copies for all my staff.

A truly inspiring book! It’s filled with simple yet compelling tips to bring out the best in ourselves and others - at work and beyond. Each of the 52 tips are illustrated with powerful and contrasting stories that the author draws from her diverse experience in companies and communities around the world. She reminds us of the simple truth that connecting to others with compassion and authenticity can be the most effective way to be happy and successful!

Excellent book. Very relevant to many people. I work in the UK university and NHS and I have no doubts that this book will benefit managers and all people who would like to know about leadership. It is very easy to read and I am delighted to have a copy.