{"product_id":"critical-connections-build-relationships-and-harness-the-power-of-community-in-work-and-life-hardback-9781394362264","title":"Critical Connections; Build Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life (Hardback) 9781394362264","description":"\u003cfont face=\"Georgia\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"6\"\u003eCritical Connections\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cfont size=\"5\"\u003eBuild Relationships and Harness the Power of Community in Work and Life\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Loneliness is reaching crisis levels, but Tracy Brower shows how we can turn the tide. In \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections\u003c\/i\u003e, you’ll learn how to build friendships and communities which strengthen our minds, improve well-being, and help us thrive in life’s challenges.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—ARTHUR C. BROOKS, PhD,\u003c\/b\u003e Harvard Professor and #1 \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eCritical Connections\u003c\/i\u003e offers an urgent, research-driven call to reimagine how we form and sustain relationships in workplaces and communities alike, a goal that resonates deeply with my own studies of teams and organizations. Author Tracy Brower beautifully illuminates how authentic connections are foundational to learning, thriving, and resilience—essential ingredients for innovation and growth. This book will be a useful guide for anyone committed to building environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—AMY C. EDMONDSON, PhD,\u003c\/b\u003e Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School and author of \u003ci\u003eRight Kind of Wrong\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Fearless Organization\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“In a world increasingly defined by loneliness and isolation, \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections\u003c\/i\u003e is a vital call to action. Tracy Brower combines compelling research with practical stories to show that our health and joy depend on the relationships we nurture. As a leader who has seen the power of working in pairs to transform a company culture, I can attest to the truth of Brower’s message: we are stronger, healthier, and happier together.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—RICHARD SHERIDAN,\u003c\/b\u003e CEO and Chief Storyteller, Menlo Innovations and author of \u003ci\u003eJoy, Inc\u003c\/i\u003e. and \u003ci\u003eChief Joy Officer\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“At a time when loneliness and disconnection are increasingly prevalent in our culture, this book provides an essential roadmap for anyone who wants to strengthen relationships and build authentic community.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—DORIE CLARK, PhD,\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eWall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/i\u003e bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eThe Long Game\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“Connecting is the single most important thing we do. Read this book and understand why.”\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—ROBIN DUNBAR, PhD,\u003c\/b\u003e Evolutionary Psychologist at Oxford University and Originator of Dunbar’s Number\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“At a time when many feel isolated and overwhelmed, Tracy Brower’s \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eoffers both hope and direction. Drawing on the science of relationships, she provides practical tools and fresh insight into how intentional connection can help us thrive at work and in life.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBYRON JOHNSON, PhD, \u003c\/b\u003eDistinguished Professor of the Social Sciences, Baylor University, and Co-Director of the Global Flourishing Study\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003earrives as both a manifesto and a road map. With compelling insight and practical wisdom, Tracy Brower reveals what we’ve always known intuitively but often forget in practice. Whether you’re leading a team, facilitating a community, or simply looking for deeper meaning in your work, this book will change how you think about what’s possible when we stop going at it alone.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMARCUS COLLINS, PhD, \u003c\/b\u003eUniversity of Michigan, and bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eFor the Culture\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eoffers an invaluable antidote to loneliness and disconnection, with research-based insights into how we can strengthen our bonds and foster meaningful personal growth. Tracy Brower provides practical, accessible guidance for cultivating deeper connections and community, making this a vital resource for anyone seeking greater fulfillment in their relationships at work and in life.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSARA ARMBRUSTER, \u003c\/b\u003eFormer President and Chief Executive Officer, Steelcase Inc.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“Half of our happiness comes from our social connections and conversely loneliness is literally a killer. This important book shows the absolute necessity of human connection and how to strengthen connections of all types. Everyone who wants a longer, happier, and healthier life needs this book.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003ePAUL J. ZAK, PhD, \u003c\/b\u003eAuthor of \u003ci\u003eThe Little Book of Happiness \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Trust Factor\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“At a moment when so many of us feel disconnected, \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eis a guide back to one another. Tracy Brower illuminates the science and the soul of friendship, reminding us that belonging is not just nice to have—it’s essential.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eINRID FETELL LEE,\u003c\/b\u003e Bestselling Author of \u003ci\u003eJoyful \u003c\/i\u003eand Founder of The Aesthetics of Joy\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eis a timely guide for business leaders navigating the brain economy. Tracy Brower shows how intentional relationships and community are not just human needs, but strategic assets—fueling brain capital, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eHARRIS EYRE, MD, PhD, \u003c\/b\u003ePioneer of the Brain Economy Transition and Professor, Rice University and The University of Texas Medical Branch\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003ereminds us that effective leadership is ultimately about relationships. Tracy Brower brings clear insight and practical guidance to help leaders strengthen trust, communication, and influence—skills every executive and aspiring leader need to succeed.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJOHNNY C. TAYLOR, JR., \u003c\/b\u003eSHRM-SC, President and Chief Executive Officer, SHRM\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“At a time when employees are struggling with anxiety and loneliness at work, Tracy Brower’s \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eoffers a much-needed road map for creating a better life at work through building stronger relationships and communities.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSHALENE GUPTA, \u003c\/b\u003eStaff Editor, \u003ci\u003eFast Company \u003c\/i\u003eand author of \u003ci\u003eThe Power of Trust \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Cycle\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e“In a world of ever-increasing social isolation, Tracy Brower has written an important book to teach, guide, and inspire anyone to build connections to achieve a more rewarding and meaningful life. Anyone looking to increase connections (and that should be all of us!) will gain valuable insights and tools from this book.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSCOTT SONENSHEIN, PhD,\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e Bestselling Author of \u003ci\u003eJoy at Work \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eStretch\u003c\/i\u003e, and Professor of Management at Rice University\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eTracy Brower (Author)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e9781394362264, Wiley\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eHardback, published 23 February 2026\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e240 pages\u003cbr\u003e23.1 x 16 x 3 cm, 0.431 kg\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMake more and better friends, deepen your connections, and find your community\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections\u003c\/i\u003e, renowned sociologist and author Dr. Tracy Brower delivers inspiration and pragmatic new insights on community and connection that you can use in your own life to build belonging, find and make friends, and create a happier life. The author explains how you can avoid bad friendships, reconnect with old friends, deepen existing friendships, and start a new friend group.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou’ll learn how to navigate a new reality that includes artificial intelligence, technology, and social media. You’ll also discover how to improve your happiness, wellbeing, and success – in work and in life – by prioritizing quality relationships with human beings, online and offline.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside the book:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe latest research on loneliness, disconnection, dissatisfaction, disengagement, and mental health\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDiscussions of the massive, positive impact of community and connections\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEffective strategies to help you find your community, build friendships, and create connection\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn accessible and hands-on combination of the latest  research and practical connection strategies that work in the real world, \u003ci\u003eCritical Connections \u003c\/i\u003eis a must-read for everyone interested in improving their outlook, relationships, wellbeing, and fulfillment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntroduction xi\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart I The Power of Connecting 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 Connecting in the World Today 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 Our Disconnected Reality 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e3 The Positive Impacts of Connection 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 The Social Dynamics of Connection and Community 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 Thriving as a Member of a Community 69\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePart II the Practice of Connecting 91\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 Thinking as a Good Friend 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 Acting as a Good Friend 103\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 Interacting as a Good Friend 115\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 Where to Find Friends 141\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e10 Making and Maintaining Friends 155\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e11 Embracing Connections and Community 175\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNotes 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments 213\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout the Author 215\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 217\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eSubject Areas: Business \u0026amp; management [\u003ca title=\"See our other books on Business \u0026amp; management\" href=\"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/search?q=%22Business%20\u0026amp;%20management%20%5BKJ%5D%22\"\u003eKJ\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003c\/font\u003e","brand":"Wiley","offers":[{"title":"Brand New","offer_id":52460671009048,"sku":"9781394362264","price":18.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/2037\/5320\/files\/9781394362264.jpg?v=1785457696","url":"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/products\/critical-connections-build-relationships-and-harness-the-power-of-community-in-work-and-life-hardback-9781394362264","provider":"Freshly Printed Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}