How a Leader Connects with Anybody

As a leader, you can't lead if you're unable to connect with your group, company, organization, or military unit.

First, what does it mean to connect?

Let's keep it simple.  Have you ever had a meeting you attended or were presenting at and people in the room seemed to be staring at you?  You know what I mean - their eyes are open, but they look empty. 

It's what's meant by a blank stare.  If you're the speaker, the audience looks right at you, but you can tell they don't hear or comprehend anything you're saying.

You could just as well be speaking Martian, and your audience wouldn't know anymore or less than they at that moment.  You haven't connected.

What's the Secret to Making a Connection?

In all cases, regardless of how technical or basic the presentation or direction given is, it's a matter of connecting.  How does a leader make this connection?

It starts with you asking a question.  Yes, it's that simple.  Ask questions of your audience, and they will instantly come out of their trance.

This works for many reasons...

1. It now makes your audience participants
2. Your question forces interaction
3. Others fear being the one asked the next question, and then listen more intently.
4.  Most importantly, you get a chance to listen.

Why Communication Isn't Enough

Now you understand why one-way communications isn't enough.  If you don't connect, it doesn't matter how beautiful and perfect your words were.

As a leader, it's your responsibility to connect.

When you start asking questions, you can then use another leadership skill of listening so you get eager participants for whatever you direct.  Real connecting enables you to get into your teams heads and go where they are mentally.

Your questions show interest in your team or audience.  When your team or organization believes you're interested in them, you get an unbreakable connection.

To discover more of the greatest secrets of leadership, grab the first three chapters of my book Overpower Oceans for Free.