Pursuit was never intended to be a solo journey. Last month, we talked about Calling and asked, “Why are we pursuing?” But once we understand our why, another question follows: “Who are we pursuing it with?” None of us got where we are alone, and none of us will get where we are going alone. Someone opened a door, taught us, challenged us, believed in us, or pushed us forward. We need people, and people need us. Connection isn’t simply knowing someone’s name or working beside them every day. It’s being intentional enough to know their story, understand what matters to them, and care enough to make a difference in their journey.
In hospitality, CONNECTION starts with our guests. Every person who walks through our doors is an opportunity to do more than serve a meal. Look people in the eye. Learn their names. Remember what they order. Ask about their family. Celebrate their wins. Notice when something isn’t right. The difference between a transaction and hospitality is connection. People have endless choices about where to spend their money. What they can’t find everywhere is a place where someone genuinely knows them, values them, and is glad they come back.
CONNECTION must extend beyond our four walls. Know your community. Do you know the people who work around us? The owners and leaders of the businesses that share our community? The teachers, coaches, first responders, churches, schools, and organizations who serve the same community we do. We shouldn’t simply operate a restaurant in a community; we should become part of that community. Shake hands. Introduce yourself. Show up. Serve. Support. Build relationships before you need something. Great restaurants don’t simply occupy a corner or a space in a shopping center. They become woven into the fabric of the communities they serve.
And then there are the people standing beside us every day, our team members and leaders. If you lead people, know more about them than their schedule, position, and performance. What is happening in their life? What are they celebrating? What are they struggling with? What do they want to become? CONNECTION does not lower expectations; it makes accountability more meaningful because people know we care about them beyond the work they do. Inquire. Listen. Encourage. Challenge. Invest. Strong connection creates trust, trust creates alignment, and alignment allows us to move forward together in pursuit of something greater than any of us could accomplish alone.
But connection carries responsibility. So, ask yourself: Who is better because they are connected to me? Is a guest’s day brighter? Is a team member growing? Is another leader stronger? Is our community better because we are there? CONNECTION is not measured by how many people we know; it is measured by the difference we make in the lives of the people we know. Our Calling gives us a reason to pursue. CONNECTION gives us people to pursue it with. Keep pursuing…but make sure the people around you are stronger, better, and more connected because you were part of their journey.
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