This cartoon humorously reveals how a particular generation may not understand technology "lingo" but it also reminds me of a valuable truth. Leaders "connect" with people. Like this elderly gentleman, there are many who do not understand this level of connection that makes leaders effective at what they do.
What does it mean to "connect?" Connection exists in a relationship that extends beyond acquaintances, small talk or even "working together with someone." Connection is a criteria leaders can use to measure their success as leaders. A leader who loses his or her connection to those following will soon lose his influence. What does this connection look like?
Connection can be seen when individuals mutually agree on a deeper level, not just through consensus. Connection exists when an emotional bond forms that unites the leader and the other team members. I recently read by John Maxwell that the average person receives around 35,000 messages a day! Many of these messages will not resonate with the soul of a person like a leader can connect with team members. This type of connection gives the leaders influence!
How does a leader "connect?"
1. Sincere communication - A leader must make genuine eye contact with genuine listening where the communication can safely go beyond just "surface talk." Sincere communication develops from one who has sincere empathy.
2. Enthusiasm - People are drawn to those who demonstrate "positive energy" or enthusiasm. People like to connect with those who demonstrate passion, energy and feed great about a worthy cause. Leaders must be energetic in how they interact with people. Warning: Too much energy and, well, we all know those individuals who take this to the extreme and scare people away! Don't overdo it!
3. "Others Oriented" - When a leader goes the extra mile to learn about another person, this person is more likely to open up and develop a rapport with the leader. What makes this happen is a quality all leaders must possess and that is initiative. Leaders must take the first step towards developing relationships so "connection" exists in a team.
Connection is what makes good leaders great. Everyone has the ability to connect! Connection is not dependent upon position! Without connection, you will be like this powerful electric generator that is detached from any power grid or something needing energy. What a waste! Connection is not difficult to develop, leaders need to be courageous to change!
Every leader needs to be connected with his team because they are there to stay and help him overbecome his fears and other way around.Leader needs to have strong connection to his teammates and help each other throw every task.
ReplyDeleteLike on picture it says that older generation arent so modern but on other hand that means thaht leaders need to learn something new and become one of those who people look idols in!
Leader needs to connects with sincere communication and make eye contac,leader needs to have enthusiasam and show that to his teammates and show passion,he also needs to give others orientation and point them on right way and give them will to take that road.
Leaders are there to connect and make others feel better !
I think that this really fits in well with our in class activities and us presenting our speeches. I agree that eye contact and enthusiasm are very important to being a good leader because the people you are leading feel connected to you not distanced. I think that true leaders commit to making those who they are leading feel good about being able to talk to them. Leaders that see being a leader as very important will connect with others but those that use the title of leader just for the power will fall short of being a true leader. I think we need to work on our speech giving skills so we are seen as the leaders that do care and we show it.
ReplyDeleteyes, connection is a major part of leadership, with out it, a leader would be little more than an average person. so, yes its important.
ReplyDeleteYou need to connect with your audience if you are going to get any results. If you're speaking to them they don't want to see a boring speaker, you need to bring energy to your speech. This fits well with what we did in class the other day with our speeches. I noticed that a lot of the people, me included, didn't bring very much energy to their topic. Leaders need to make sure to connect with their audience that way you have more of an impact on them.
ReplyDeleteYes connection is extremely important in being a leader. You have to let them know you truly do care and are not fake. Being fake will never get you anywhere in life. Making eye contact is very important lets them know you care. Putting all the steps in is when you truly truly connect and become a connected leader with people.
ReplyDeleteAn effective leader must have connection with his team or his peers to actually make a difference. When leaders go that extra mile for someone or some people they motivate and influence everyone. Leaders know how too listen and make eye contact too show the people they are listening too they care. In the cartoon it shows that our youth have too know the advances in technology in the future because that's what most of the things will be based off of
ReplyDeleteIn order for a person to be a good leader they must be connected with the people around them. If you don't stay connected how can you build relationships? If you aren't connected you won't be able to influence people or get people to want to stay with you.
ReplyDeleteConnection with people in your life is very important, but don't let it be a fake connection....in other words be true to who you really are. If you be a fake so that you can connect with everyone, then you really aren't connecting with them. Connection shows that you are truly in it, not just because you have to. Connection is a reflection of what is important to you and how you portray that with other people.
ReplyDeleteLeaders have to be connected with people because how will a leader get his/her point across if nobody will be there to connect with? If you don't connect with people, you get to share your ideas with them. When you develop that connection with people you gain the trust and commitment from people. This will trust will lead you to have people that follow you and "buy-in" to your idea. Connection is always essential to your success in leadership.
ReplyDeleteI think that connection is vital to all people and not just those that are considered leaders. People need to have a sense of relating to others and understanding to feel like they have a purpose. This could be achieved from just a hello walking in the hallway to a genuine sincere conversation. Obviously it's important for a leader as well because without a connection others will feel no reason to trust the leader.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important for leaders to be connected with their followers because that means that there is trust and without trust they probably won't be a very successful leader. I also think that change is nessessary sometimes we all should change our bad habits to develop good habits.
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