Ten Ways to Improve Your Connection Skills:
According to the Center for
Creative Leadership, weak connection skills hold many managers back from
becoming effective leaders. They base this on a recent book written by Michael
Lee Stallard. I thought I would share with you these ten tips to facilitate
connection adapted from Stallard’s new book:
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1.
Recognize
varying connection needs. Learn about the people you lead and be flexible in
how you build connection with them.
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2.
Be present in
conversation. Give people and the topic your full attention.
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3.
Develop the
ability to empathize. When someone expresses an emotion, it’s OK for you to
feel it too.
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4.
Develop the
habit of emphasizing positives. Look for ways to acknowledge excellence in
the work — and in the way people go about their work.
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5.
Control your
tone of voice. People react to the delivery of your message before they hear
its content.
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6.
Negotiate with
the mindset to solve a problem rather than to win. A competitive mindset can
lead to disconnection and distrust.
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7.
Provide
autonomy in execution. Don’t micromanage, but monitor progress and be
available.
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8.
Learn and apply
the five languages of appreciation. People respond to different types of
recognition. Gary Chapman and Paul White’s book, The 5 Languages of
Appreciation in the Workplace, is a great guide.
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9.
Apologize when
you make a mistake. Own up, tell people you’re sorry.
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10.
Develop social
skills and relationship skills, and recognize the difference between them.
Social skills are important for casual interactions, but relationship skills
create deeper connections with fewer people.
SM
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