Kilmer’s Korner
        By Jim Kilmer, Managing Partner, The OPAL Group

Can You Hear Me Now?

Do you need to be connected? I don’t mean to the Internet or with a cell phone—I’m talking about a connection more basic than that. Are you connected to the people around you on an emotional level?

We see examples every day of the frustration that can occur when connections break down. The angry child who refuses to talk to a parent; the wife who is irritated at her husband who refuses to listen; and the frustrated entrepreneur who can’t get anyone to understand his ideas are all common examples. But how important are these connections to our personal and professional fulfillment?

Over the years, I have listened to many business people complain that their businesses are no longer fun. I’ve done numerous Internet searches and found, depending upon which survey you want to believe, that up to 90 percent of workers either hate their jobs or barely tolerate them. Perform a Google search on “hate my job,” “hate your job” or “hate their job” and you will be amazed at the number of results.

While the jobs that they perform and the industries that they serve are wide-ranging, I would bet that they all share one common denominator: a lack of connection to their coworkers, bosses, employees, customers and suppliers.

I have been around for enough years to notice that older people who are estranged from family, without dependable transportation or are no longer in the workforce can be very unhappy. But people, regardless of age, who are most connected to the people and world around them seem to experience the most joy.

They are connected to God, family, coworkers, friends and neighbors. In business they are connected to their bosses, employees, suppliers and customers. They are volunteers in their communities and feel a true sense of belonging.

Through this newsletter, we at The OPAL Group hope to connect with you. We want to help you understand who we are and what we do. We look forward to learning more about you and your business so that we can build a mutually rewarding and successful relationship.