We've Villainized Friendliness in the Workplace
Thu Feb 05 2026
Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection The Villainization of Friendliness: Why Building Connections at Work Is Crucial In this episode of Creating Opportunities, Cassandra Thompson discusses the growing trend of villainizing friendliness in the workplace. She argues that advice discouraging interpersonal interactions, like stopping by a coworker's desk, ultimately fosters a cold and isolated work environment. The episode addresses three main areas—treatment of extroverts, prioritizing efficiency over humanity, and advice discouraging initiation—emphasizing that those who initiate connections are vital for a positive work culture. Cassandra also provides actionable steps for leaders to build a more friendly and connected workplace. 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Modern Workplace Advice 00:59 The Stigma Around Friendliness at Work 02:02 Podcast Introduction and National Friendship Month 03:20 Villainizing Extroverts in the Workplace 06:16 Efficiency vs. Humanity 08:43 Discouraging Initiation and Connection 14:03 Creating a Culture of Friendliness 16:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼♀️ Contact: Cass@cassthompson.com https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!
More
Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection The Villainization of Friendliness: Why Building Connections at Work Is Crucial In this episode of Creating Opportunities, Cassandra Thompson discusses the growing trend of villainizing friendliness in the workplace. She argues that advice discouraging interpersonal interactions, like stopping by a coworker's desk, ultimately fosters a cold and isolated work environment. The episode addresses three main areas—treatment of extroverts, prioritizing efficiency over humanity, and advice discouraging initiation—emphasizing that those who initiate connections are vital for a positive work culture. Cassandra also provides actionable steps for leaders to build a more friendly and connected workplace. 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Modern Workplace Advice 00:59 The Stigma Around Friendliness at Work 02:02 Podcast Introduction and National Friendship Month 03:20 Villainizing Extroverts in the Workplace 06:16 Efficiency vs. Humanity 08:43 Discouraging Initiation and Connection 14:03 Creating a Culture of Friendliness 16:25 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20 SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼♀️ Contact: Cass@cassthompson.com https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!