One of our 10 leadership concepts is “leadership is connectivity.” 

Consider this from John Maxwell: “Relational skills are the most important abilities in leadership.” Connectivity is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them. The ability to communicate and connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching a person’s fullest potential. To do that at your absolute best, you must learn to connect.  

Winning Edge has found 3 ways to connect to your people:  

1. Listen to find common ground

My best leaders asked questions about me, not just about my performance. They took the time to listen to me as a whole person, which allowed us to learn about one another on a deeper level than merely as employer-employee. By spending that time, my leaders and I were able to discover areas of mutual interest and understanding, which allowed us to nurture a relationship based upon trust. When we find common ground, we ease the burdens of our differences and place our value on our similarities, thus increasing trust and reducing tension.  

2. Establish credibility

Can you connect with someone who you do not believe in? Of course not! So how do we establish credibility with those around us? We must be honest about our strengths and weaknesses, right our wrongs, hold ourselves accountable, live what we believe, tell the truth, get results, and treat people that we think cannot help us as if they could change our lives. We must live our lives like we are being videotaped daily. People are inspired by what they know, see, and feel about us. 

3. Make it personal

Our people must know that we care about them, not merely for what they can do for us, but more importantly, because they have inherent value as human beings. We will show this in our tone, our words, and by demonstrating that we are interested in their lives beyond the workplace. When we connect with their heart, we can have an honest dialogue around two questions: 1) Am I, the leader, helping you to be your best? 2) What else can I do to help you be your best?  

When your people know and feel that connecting to them is important to you, trust will be formed, and they will be influenced to take another step.

What are some of the most successful ways that you have connected to your people?