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Two colleagues pass each other in the hall. One says, “Hey, I read your memo – really sharp thinking on that recent regulatory ruling!” The other lights up, replies, “Thanks, that means a lot,” and they keep walking. It’s just a few seconds, but that moment of genuine recognition can boost energy, reinforce a sense of competence, and strengthen connection.

In our high-pressure world, making time for connection might seem like something luxurious or reserved for after-hours networking events and the occasional team lunch. But research says otherwise. Connection isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a performance enhancer, a buffer against burnout, and a key ingredient for professional growth and sustainable success.

Reflecting on Well-being Week in Law, where the theme was “The Social RX: Boosting Well-Being with Connection,” and adding in 2024’s World Mental Health Day’s theme of Mental Health at Work, it’s clear that connecting with others needs to be a priority in the workplace. But how can we do this when our deadlines are tight, and when every minute counts – literally?

This is where the work of organizational psychologist Jane Dutton comes in. Her theory of High-Quality Connections (HQCs) provides a powerful framework for understanding how even brief interactions, such as the one above, can shape workplace culture, support individual well-being, and enhance team performance. For lawyers and legal professionals navigating intense workloads, client demands, and high-stakes environments, the ability to build and sustain relationships using HQCs is a strategic play that can truly pay off.

What Are High-Quality Connections?

Dutton defines high-quality connections as short-term, positive interactions between two people that have three core characteristics:

• Positive regard: Showing genuine respect, care, and appreciation.
• Mutuality: A balanced sense of participation and influence in the interaction.
• Vitality: A feeling of aliveness and energy in the connection.

When these elements are present, connections become catalysts for learning, resilience, and trust, all of which are essential in legal practice. And, unlike long-term relationships, HQCs don’t require deep personal bonds or extensive time investments. An HQC might be as simple as a colleague sincerely asking how your morning is going, or a partner giving meaningful feedback or showing gratitude for your contributions. These moments stand out because they make us feel seen, respected, and energized. They help us feel like we belong.

Why HQCs Matter in Law Firms
Lawyers are trained to be analytical, precise, and independent. These qualities are essential for good lawyering, but without balance, they can inadvertently lead to isolation and stress. Legal environments often reward individual output and technical skill while undervaluing the relational infrastructure that holds teams, practice groups, and firms together.

Why HQCs are particularly important in legal settings:

• They Strengthen Psychological Safety: Psychological safety is the belief that you can take interpersonal risks without fear of punishment. It’s foundational for learning, innovation, and high performance. Even when they are brief interactions, HQCs foster environments where people feel safe to ask questions, admit mistakes, and offer ideas.
  
• They Improve Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Law is a team effort. Even the most brilliant legal mind needs collaboration to serve clients effectively. HQCs foster openness, which makes it more likely that team members will share knowledge, raise concerns, and offer support. When colleagues trust one another, they don’t waste energy second-guessing motives or guarding turf.
• They Buffer Against Stress and Burnout: HQCs act as micro-recovery opportunities throughout the day. A supportive interaction can lower stress levels, shift perspective, and provide a sense of emotional grounding. When the pace is relentless, these moments can make the difference between resilience and exhaustion.
• They Promote Inclusion and Belonging: HQCs help cultivate a sense of belonging, especially for those who may feel marginalized or underrepresented. They send subtle but powerful signals: You matter here. You are valued.

How to Cultivate More High-Quality Connections at Work

Creating HQCs isn’t about becoming everyone’s best friend or adding more to your plate. It’s about showing up with intentionality and presence. Here are a few ways legal professionals can start building HQCs today:

• Be fully present: Put down your phone, turn away from your computer, and make sure folks know you are paying attention to them.
• Offer appreciation: A specific acknowledgment of someone’s effort goes a long way. (This doesn’t include “thx!”)
• Be generous with credit: Recognize team contributions publicly and authentically.
• Check in, not just check up: Especially in supervisory roles, make space for conversations that go beyond the perfunctory.
  

Small Moments, Big Impact

The beauty of Dutton’s theory lies in its reminder of the power of small moments. In a legal career, you may not always control your docket or your hours, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever control opposing counsel. But you can control how you show up in the moments that matter. Whether you’re a junior associate or a senior partner, your ability to create high-quality connections influences team morale, client relationships, and long-term firm culture.

Ultimately, high-quality connections are not a distraction from the real work of the legal profession. They are the work. Because being in the law is all about relationships. And relationships thrive when people feel a sense of connection

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About the Author

Jessie Spressart is the Managing Director of Optia Consulting. Optia works at the intersection of management skills and mental health and well-being in the workplace.

Jessie brings over twenty years of experience in law firm professional development to her coaching and consulting practice. Prior to founding Optia, Jessie spent over a decade building the professional development department at a law firm in Washington DC.

Jessie is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid, is an ICF-accredited executive coach and holds Master’s degrees from Fordham University and St. Andrews University.