Feeling Isolated in the C-Suite? 15 Ways to Build Better Connections

It’s lonely at the top if you don’t have the right support network to lean on regularly.

According to a Harvard Business blog, approximately 70% of CEOs have reported feelings of loneliness. But the good news is, they don’t have to go it alone if they begin to lean on their peers with similar career circumstances and are willing to collaborate and learn from each other.

Keeping an open-door policy at work and staying connected with staff members across departments is important for strengthening work relationships and a sense of togetherness. However, it’s also necessary to maintain a work-life balance to enjoy meaningful activities with family and friends that will reinvigorate your purpose for pursuing your livelihood each day. The following experts from Fast Company Executive Board have all had their moments. Here, they each offer their suggestions on how to find the right support and build community to create success in any role.

1. Leave Your Guilt Behind

For a true mind shift, we must stop apologizing and carrying guilt. Being a CEO means you can’t attend every party or trip or have the mind space for things you once had—and that’s okay. To lead successfully, you must prioritize what matters—at work and at home. Carrying guilt is heavy, and very few understand your role, which can seem lonely. You must prioritize what fills you the most to succeed. – Kristin Hege, Convey Communications

2. Collaborate and Troubleshoot Issues With Other CEOs

Never underestimate the power of community. I have a network of competitive CEOs I speak openly with regularly. The openness helps all of us; we know we aren’t alone and we brainstorm ways to collaborate or troubleshoot issues. There’s unlimited opportunity when you look up and out, and make an effort to create positive industry and career karma with other leaders in the same position. – Mack McKelvey, SalientMG

3. Focus on Fun Activities Away From Work

Step back from the job often and lean into shared experiences with friends, family, and peers outside of work. For example, go skiing, take a hike, or try scuba diving. You could also host a dinner, plan a trip together, or play a board game. Find ways to actively decouple from work when possible because it can often become all-consuming. Real friendship and social activity work wonders, even on the worst of days. Make the time—no excuses. – Jared Reimer, University of Washington

4. Ensure That People in Your Circle Complement Your Strengths

It can feel like the weight of the world rests squarely on your shoulders. Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths. You probably already have a good idea of what you can bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to know what you can’t. I’ve aligned myself with strong advisors. My job is to find the people who round out our collective expertise and leverage it for success. – Stephanie Harris, PartnerCentric

5. Join a Mastermind Group or Industry Association to Keep You Inspired

After 17 years in marketing and entrepreneurship, I’ve learned that surrounding myself with a network of fellow CEOs is invaluable. Mastermind groups and peer networks help me stay grounded, gain fresh perspectives, and grow as a leader. I encourage other business leaders to find these communities—it eases the isolation and leads to better decision-making and long-term success. – Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS

6. Foster an Inclusive Remote Work Culture That Brings People Together

Ever since I transitioned to a remote-first company during the pandemic, I have prioritized fostering a culture where employees feel excited to sign on every morning. We start every meeting with gratitude, and we have created dedicated Slack channels for various interests and hobbies. You will only feel lonely at the top if you isolate yourself. We prioritize team bonding and building over hierarchies any day. – Cody Barbo, Trust & Will

7. Set Healthy Boundaries to Maintain Work-Life Balance

For me, it’s about truly prioritizing life outside of work. Taking time off, setting healthy boundaries between work and home, and not skipping the things that bring me personal joy keep me feeling connected. – Jacob Kupietzky, HCT Executive Interim Management & Consulting

8. Be Genuine and Approachable Through Daily Human Interaction

Within your company, the key to being a leader is to stay hands-on with the work, get away from your desk, and have spontaneous conversations about the business. You learn nothing from meetings but everything from genuine human interaction. Outside your company, develop a network of peers who can become friends, allies, and sounding boards as you all navigate your careers together. – Tim Maleeny, Havas North America

9. Engage With People on All Levels at Your Organization

To overcome the “lonely at the top” feeling, focus on building a strong, collaborative team. Engage with all levels of your organization and lead by being an involved member, not just a boss. By fostering open communication and teamwork, you’ll not only stay connected but also drive innovation, proving that leadership doesn’t have to be isolating. – Eddy Azad, Parsec Automation Corp.

10. Introduce Yourself to Senior Execs in Similar Roles Across Your Company’s Locations

There are several organizations that support senior executives by facilitating introductions to individuals in similar roles and geographies. Taking advantage of those programs often leads to new relationships that lessen loneliness because they are built with a specific focus on expanding exchanges and support between people who experience similar challenges in roles. – Courtney Temple, Institute of International Education

11. Learn From Other Executives’ Lived Experiences

We are in a loneliness pandemic that intensifies demands on C-suite leaders while mirroring their lived experiences. Career growth can have an inverse relationship with hobbies, deep friendships, and community involvement. We see a significantly increased demand for our peer learning as a gateway to foster community, rebuild interpersonal skills, learn through others, and mitigate loneliness. – Dr. Camille Preston, AIM Leadership, LLC

12. Ask Questions to Gather Diverse Perspectives

It’s lonely at the top because people often don’t tell you the truth. To counter this, I ask many questions to gather diverse perspectives and collaborate with leaders from other companies who have no stake in holding back. Their honesty and insights help me navigate challenges more effectively. – Barry Lowenthal, Inuvo, Inc.

13. Access the Source of Your Energy Deficit or Surplus

Leadership can indeed feel isolating, so it’s crucial to be intentional about managing your own positive energy. Consider making a list of people who either energize you or drain your energy. They can be members of your team, clients, or industry peers. Schedule time on your calendar with this in mind, and regularly evaluate whether you are experiencing an energy deficit or surplus. – Mukesh Kumar, Slalom

14. Avoid Losing Touch With Peers After Moving to a Leadership Role

You may not be as casual as you once were with your team, but being a CEO doesn’t have to be about isolation. Find the balance between your relatability, your understanding of their concerns, and your experience—being someone once in their position but now with the ability to effect change. Offer space at the table to show you value their input and that the success is shared. – Larry Brinker Jr., BRINKER

15. Listen, Communicate, and Inspire Others

I embrace friends and family who have nothing to do with my career. I also make a point to talk openly with people at all levels of my organization. With friends and family, I trust they will provide the connection and outside perspectives I need. With colleagues, my role is to listen and learn when I should and inspire when I can. In this way, leadership does not have to be lonely. – Elizabeth Green, QuSecure

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