The Psychology of Connection at Work: The Science Behind Connection, and What Leaders Can Do About It Today Dr. Bobbi Wegner

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Bobbi Wegner—psychologist, Harvard lecturer, and founder of GROOPS—to People First!. With her unique blend of clinical and organizational psychology, Bobbi shares how leaders can evolve from taskmasters to team coaches by leveraging simple psychological tools that drive connection, performance, and well-being.

In a world where workplace disconnection is at an all-time high, Bobbi’s insights are a timely reminder that relationships are not just a “nice to have”—they’re a business imperative.

🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:

03:00 — The Power of One Person

Dr. Lee, Bobbi’s college professor, sparked a lifelong journey into health psychology and human connection. This reminder: small encouragements can have ripple effects that last decades.

07:45 — What GROOOPS Gets Right About Work

Bobbi explains how her company, GROOPS, equips psychologists to support leaders in real-time with scalable, low-cost coaching—anchored in human connection and real science.

10:00 — Cohesion = Connection + Performance

Why psychological safety and team cohesion matter more than ever. Bobbi shares stats and strategies proving that relational health isn’t just about morale—it’s directly tied to profit, retention, and innovation.

14:00 — Coaching > Commanding

Using the ORS framework from motivational interviewing, leaders can build trust and autonomy by asking better questions, affirming effort, and reflecting back understanding—without adding more to their plate.

💡 This Episode Is for:

Team leaders, HR professionals, educators, and forward-thinking executives who want to stop managing tasks and start cultivating thriving cultures.

🔗 Where to Learn More:

• joinGROOPS.com — Bobbi’s company offering psychology-driven coaching at scale
• DrBobbiWegner.com
• Harvard Graduate School of Education & Extension School Programs
• Connect with Bobbi on LinkedIn