Practicing Connection

Written by: Jessica Beckendorf If you’ve been part of a long‑running initiative, you have probably experienced cynicism at one point or another. Maybe it’s in a quiet eye‑roll when a “new” strategy sounds like a remix of the last one, or maybe you’ve heard the occasional “we already tried that.”...

Big initiatives rarely fail from lack of commitment—they break down in the messy middle, where vision meets the realities of complex systems. In loosely connected partnerships, misaligned priorities, timelines, and power dynamics reveal that the challenge is often one of design, not dedication. In this blog, we explore five practical shifts to strengthen collaboration, from creating shared direction and identity to building trust through small, meaningful work. You’ll also learn how to treat resistance as insight and focus on outcomes that truly matter.

In this blog post, we explore how small, intentional “local pivots” can strengthen the Military Family Readiness System by turning existing community resources into meaningful support for military families. It highlights how real impact starts within your own circle—through connection, collaboration, and action.

Collective action doesn’t rise or fall on org charts or agreements—it depends on the invisible infrastructure of trust. Drawing on our Practicing Connection podcast series, this blog post explores five dimensions of trust that shape whether people feel they belong, speak honestly, follow through, care for one another, and honor local wisdom. Strengthening these everyday foundations can make collaboration in support of military and veteran families more sustainable and more effective.

One of the biggest challenges when working with various groups of stakeholders lies in different ways of approaching problems and interests. Some people want to dive right in and get things done, without discussion. Some want to get to know one another and figure out the best approach. Others just want to listen and be told what to do.

How do you solve problems when working with people who have different goals? Discover unexpected solutions through co-creation.

Use the Wheel of Life to assess life balance by rating key areas to identify where to focus time and energy.

Engaging in mindfulness activities and reflective practices like labyrinth walking can enhance our ability to lead effectively and remain productive in our daily lives.