Joe describes preferring to live by principles rather than strategizing each situation individually. Of all the principles he has tested as his life’s “bottom line,” connection has produced the best results — not just in effectiveness but in happiness, joy, and longevity.
Three experiences solidified this: watching a joyful business leader named Case who was more effective because of deep connection; learning about the Harvard longitudinal study showing quality relationships as the top predictor of health and happiness; and observing a CEO who turned around a healthcare company by focusing on connection with employees and customers rather than traditional restructuring.
“How much would I sell my ability to connect for? … Hell no, like no amount of money, because with half the ability to connect and infinite money my life is still going to be half… more out of connection.”
The principle operates as a heuristic: “Am I optimizing for being right or am I optimizing for connection? Am I trying to convince somebody or am I trying to connect with them?” Joe repeats connection three times — start with connection, stay focused on connection, end in connection.
Related Concepts
- Connection enables accomplishment
- Focus on few high-leverage principles
- Connection as career compass
- Principles make decisions for you
- Principles automate decision-making into effortless choices