Mastering the Power of "Connection"

Great leaders know the secret and so should you. They know that they are the most important part of what they're trying to present. They are responsible for communicating a message and that means connecting with an audience.

So how do leaders go about connecting with others?

They start by listening and building relationships with those they lead. They know that people want to be acknowledged, so they take the time to get to know people on an individual basis because they know that it motivates the person to listen to them.

Here are six ways you can put the power of connection to work:

1. Be the initiator. It's up to you, as the leader, to put yourself out there. Don't wait for the other person to come to you. Show them that you value them. Take the lead and put out your hand.
2. Stay focused on individuals, even when addressing a group. Good eye contact is essential to making a connection. Give a particular individual your complete attention before moving on to someone else.
3. Show a genuine interest in others. Take the time to get to know those who work for you. Remember their names, their children's names and what you know to be important in their lives.
4. Use warm, approachable language and nonverbal communication. Don't use big, fancy words to try to impress others. Talk to them in a way that they can relate to, and make sure that your nonverbal language matches your words. For instance, if you're using approachable language, your arms aren't tightly crossed while you're speaking or listening.
5. Build trust, support and respect before asking for help. It's impossible to ask others to follow you until you've built that foundation first.
6. Foster emotional involvement. If you follow the laws of connection, you've succeeded in promoting emotional involvement in those you lead.

Remember that it's your personal connection with your audience that will make you the most compelling, interesting and persuasive leader. To learn more about the power of connection, along with many other facets of leadership and teambuilding, be sure to attend SkillPath's Conference on Leadership Development and Teambuilding--it's coming soon to a city near you.

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