Making Room for Momentum: Rethinking Connection at Work
- Lauren Pollack
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Over the next three articles in the "Anti-Plans Social Butterfly" series, we'll explore how workplace strategy can support the spontaneity and momentum, that drives human connection and innovation.
The Anti-Plans Social Butterfly
In a typical workday, many of us get the chance to opt into the level of socialization that matches our energy or mood. Proximity and momentum play a powerful role in these social connections. Being near someone can spark the momentum to engage, sometimes leading to fulfilling, unplanned interactions, or even routines like regular lunch with a coworker or white board collaboration. At the very least, it builds familiarity.
If you enjoy chatting with friends in the office café, catching up with neighbors at the bus stop, or saying yes to an impromptu happy hour that turns into dinner and karaoke, you might be an Anti-Plans Social Butterfly. This is someone who thrives on human connection and in-the-moment collaboration, but starts mentally backing out of scheduled social events a few hours before they start.
It's Flow, Not Flakiness
When an event unfolds organically, “Want to grab coffee after this meeting?” or "Let's grab a huddle room and brainstorm more ideas!", you’re all in. But when you agreed to it a week ago? The version of you that said "yes!" is a distant memory. If it's a meeting for work, of course you'll still attend, but the spark you had for the topic may have faded over the course of the week.
To some, this inconsistency might seem concerning, but it's not routed in flakiness or a lack of commitment. Employees with this tendency are fueled in the moment by authentic energy, presence, and momentum. When the vibe feels real and the timing is right, a "yes!" to engage aligns with their current state. Without the natural build of momentum, feelings of stress and obligation can take over, making what might have been enjoyable in the moment feel like a burden as it looms on the calendar.
How This Shows Up At Work
Being energized by unexpected interactions and organic collaboration.
Dreading scheduled, one-off social plans that feel forced—even when you like the people involved.
Anti-Plans Social Butterflies enjoy connecting with others most when they have the energy and context to do it authentically. That context comes from proximity and permission to engage, without treating connection like another work task to push through. We're not recommending to avoid planned experiences, but instead to design more opportunities to embrace the brilliance of momentum in workplace socializing and collaboration. We'll share more on this in the remainder of the series!
Designing for Momentum
When environments and employee experiences are designed with momentum in mind, they foster connection that feels natural and meaningful, supporting innovation, trust, and team effectiveness. This series is about honoring the duality of Anti-Plans Social Butterflies. We’ll explore how workplaces can support momentum, spontaneity, and the people who thrive when connection feels genuine. Stay tuned!