Connection

John Maxwell in his book, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” talks about the importance of connection.  The following is an excerpt from this book.

Connection For Stronger Relationships

The stronger the relationship you form with followers, the greater the connection you forge—and the more likely those followers will be to want to help you.  Whether you’re speaking in front of a large audience or chatting in the hallway with an individual, the guidelines are the same.

1.  Connect with Yourself:  you must know show you are and have confidence in yourself if you desire to connect with others.
2. Communicate with Openness and Sincerity:  Legendary NFL coach Bill Walsh said, “Nothing is more effective than sincere, accurate praise, and nothing is more lame than a cookie-cutter compliment.”
3. Know Your Audience:  Lean people’s names, find out about their histories, and ask about their dreams. Speak to what why care about.
4. Live Your Message:  Practice what you preach. That’s where credibility comes from.
5. Go to where They are:  I dislike any kind of barrier to communication. I adapt to others; I don’t expect them to adapt to me.

Connection With Focus, Belief and Direction

1. Focus on Them, Not Yourself:  The number one problem of inexperienced speakers and ineffective leaders is that they focus on themselves.
2. Believe in Them:  It’s one thing to communicate to people because you believe you have something of value to say.  Its’ another to communicate with people because you believe they have value.
3. Offer Direction and Hope:  French general Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Leaders are dealers in hope.”

Connection With Intention

Intentionally connect with the people you lead today.  Make a difference in your life and the lives of others.  Connection is the key.