Restoring Eye Contact in a World Obsessed with Efficiency

Somewhere along the way, we’ve traded connection for efficiency.

In today’s workplace, the rhythm of back-to-back meetings, instant messages, and tightly packed calendars has become the norm. We move fast. We optimize. We automate. And in doing so, we often forget that behind every email address and calendar invite is a whole person.

• A parent juggling school drop-offs and deadlines.
• A caregiver navigating the emotional weight of responsibility.
• A marathon runner chasing goals outside the office.
• A professional quietly facing a personal challenge.

Efficiency Isn’t the Same as Connection

We’ve mastered productivity. But efficiency isn’t the same as connection.

The most impactful breakthroughs and the strongest teams aren’t born from streamlined agendas or perfectly executed workflows. They’re sparked in the moments between—the pause before a meeting begins, the check-in that goes beyond “How are you?”, the space where someone feels truly seen.

I call this practice “restoring eye contact.” It’s not just about looking up from our screens. It’s about choosing to see the person behind the role. It’s about slowing down long enough to ask one more question, to listen without multitasking, to make space for humanity in the midst of hustle.

This kind of connection requires intention. It asks us to resist the urge to rush. To prioritize presence over performance. To remember that at the end of the day, it’s not just the work that matters—it’s the people who do the work.

As leaders, teammates, and collaborators, we have the opportunity to model this. Building cultures where empathy is not a soft skill but a strategic advantage. Where relationships are not a distraction but the foundation of resilience and innovation.

Let’s Bring Connection Back to the Table—And Drive Results That Matter

In a world where speed often overshadows substance, the most successful site selection decisions are made not just with data—but with discernment, empathy, and experience.

If you’re navigating a complex location decision or seeking to secure a business incentives package that truly aligns with your financial goals, you deserve more than a transactional advisor. You deserve a strategic partner who sees the full picture—your vision, your challenges, your people—and negotiates with precision and purpose.

At Ashmore Consulting, we restore “eye contact” in every engagement. We listen deeply, advocate fiercely, and deliver outcomes that exceed expectations—not just on paper, but in the long-term success of your project and operations.

Let’s connect. Let’s build something extraordinary.

Reach out today to start a conversation that goes beyond the numbers—and leads to results that matter.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or tax advice or opinion provided by Ashmore Consulting LLC to the reader. The reader is also cautioned that this material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the reader’s specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of non-tax and other tax factors if any action is to be contemplated. The reader should contact Ashmore Consulting LLC or another tax professional prior to taking any action based upon this information. Ashmore Consulting LLC assumes no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or other factors that could affect the information contained herein.