CONNECTION
- Set your intention.
At its core, leadership is a relationship between two people. - Put people before task.
In the busy-ness of the day to day, you may feel compelled to jump into task mode. People perform better when they feel cared for personally. - Listen.
We’ve moved from the digital age to the distractible age. Are you truly present and focused? Have you shut off all auto-notifications? Do you listen for the meaning behind the words? Are you listening with a goal of shared understanding? - Empathize.
Empathy means showing people you understand them and care how they feel. The days of “check your feelings at the door” are long gone. The silver lining of the pandemic is that the crucial conversations of well-being are now front and center.
COMMUNICATION
5. Ask, rather than tell.
People haven’t really shown up until their voice is in the room. If you lead by telling, people can be passive recipients and check out. To build interest and engagement, start by asking questions and soliciting input. It’s a game-changer.