How The Best Leaders Connect

I was on a Zoom meeting with a team recently and was impressed by one of the participant’s ability to connect with everyone on her team. She was engaged, warm, enthused, and personable.

Everyone seemed to be drawn to her energy. I was actively listening – what a great leader she is!

Connecting Leadership Principle: Connecting is all about others. Connecting is engaging others and communicating in a way where those on the receiving end feel valued.

In order to connect one-on-one,

  • Be an excellent listener
  • Find out what the other person values by asking questions
  • Share your own values and find those that may be similar to others
  • Build on common interest
  • Find out current goals others may have
  • Ask what inspires them
  • Discover current opportunities they are working on
Connect to your team by:
  • Discovering and identifying the strengths of each person
  • Acknowledging the value of each person’s strength and potential contribution
  • Invite team members to lead in their areas of strength
  • Celebrate team accomplishments and highlight the successes of others

Remember, connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate in a way that increases your influence and leadership. 

Here’s to you connecting with others this week!

—Steve

As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.

To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)

“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”

About the Author

Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.

A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.