# Making Connections - Response By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2026-01-24 There's no doubt that something genuinely different occurs when people share physical space. Conversations flow more naturally, trust is built in the margins, and a sort of relational energy is recharged through proximity. The argument for in-person connection as essential for meaningful work and human flourishing is strong. However, I believe the medium is less important than the people and the culture involved. The real distinction lies between transactional and transformational work. Transactional work can happen anywhere with minimal effort; transformational work requires something deeper. While virtual formats can make achieving that depth more challenging, the main barrier is not impossibility but rather the lack of patience and attention that many experience when staring at screens. The right people, with shared commitment, can still foster transformation virtually. On the other hand, there are many organizations that have always relied on in-person interaction yet have never managed to achieve true transformation. They hold meetings and grab coffee after work, yet the same bureaucratic issues persist year after year. While physical proximity can facilitate transformation, it does not guarantee it. The in-person element is necessary but not sufficient. Perhaps the quality of the people and the culture they have cultivated together is what matters most. The medium is only one of many variables that can either support or hinder what is possible between them. Focusing too heavily on the medium can lead to overlooking the more profound work of building trust and shared purpose. #### Related Items [[Authenticity]] [[Work]] [[Culture]] [[People]] [[Patience]]