Maintaining strong employee connections has become more critical in today’s increasingly remote work environment. According to a recent survey by Buffer, 98% of respondents said they would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers. As the workforce becomes more dispersed, organizations face the challenge of fostering meaningful relationships and building solid teams across physical distances. Scott De Long Ph.D., a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership expert, has a vision for bridging this gap and creating stronger employee connections in the small world.
Dr. De Long’s journey toward becoming a leadership specialist began with his pursuit of knowledge. At 45, he completed an Executive Leadership program at the renowned Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. This experience led him to further his education and earn a master’s in Leadership Development from Chapman University. Recently, at 60, he made his Doctorate in Education, emphasizing Leadership Studies. With his extensive educational background, De Long became an adjunct professor at Chapman University, teaching courses in communication and entrepreneurship.
De Long’s entrepreneurial background and expertise in leadership development laid the foundation for his company, Lead2Goals. Dedicated to helping organizations achieve their goals by implementing their mission, vision, and core values, Lead2Goals provides coaching, counseling, and training for growth-oriented companies. Their comprehensive programs focus on developing corporate culture, effective communication, team building, front-line leadership training, strategic planning, and executive coaching.
De Long’s approach to building stronger employee connections centers around Humility, Empathy, and Vulnerability. His keynote presentation, titled “Redefining Success: From Trophies to Relationships,” challenges traditional notions of success based on material accumulation and emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships in the workplace and personal life. By incorporating emotional intelligence and team development concepts, De Long aims to create a culture of respect and trust, fostering better relationships and stronger teams.
Lead2Goals offers various programs and retreats tailored to meet the specific needs of organizations. Their off-site company retreats, held in locations such as Big Bear, California, or Costa Rica, allow teams to break free from the confines of the office and focus on strategic planning and team building. These retreats, spanning multiple days, allow intensive sessions and recreation time, fostering creativity, collaboration, and relationship building.
Additionally, Lead2Goals provides workshops and coaching on effective communication, conflict management, and organizational development. By focusing on individuals’ personal growth and development within an organization, Lead2Goals aims to create a robust corporate culture that aligns with the organization’s vision, mission, and core values. This holistic approach recognizes that improving processes without developing people is futile.
De Long helps leaders cultivate their leadership skills and develop meaningful relationships through his executive coaching program. The Circle of Trust process, created by De Long, emphasizes the importance of building relationships and understanding personal objectives to become an effective leader. Whether through one-on-one coaching or group sessions, Lead2Goals supports leaders in transforming their leadership style and becoming the leaders they were meant to be.
In a small world where physical proximity is no longer a given, Scott De Long’s vision for building stronger employee connections is invaluable. By emphasizing the principles of Humility, Empathy, and Vulnerability and offering tailored programs and retreats, Lead2Goals provides organizations with the tools and guidance they need to foster meaningful relationships, strengthen teams, and achieve their goals. As the workforce continues to adapt to the remote work environment, investing in building bridges and creating strong employee connections is crucial for long-term success.
