How To Make Connections Count In A Hyper-Connected World

Connecting as a leadership skill is more than sending messages

The bevy of digital connection options that got many of us through isolation during the pandemic has caused a distinct shift in the way we work. These enhanced connection methods created an increase in the trend of constant connection. As a leader, you may feel required to be plugged into an email, internal communication systems, social media platforms, your telephone, and professional networks. You might feel like there is no off button.

In your typical day, how much time do you give to connection platforms? Now compare that with the time you interact with employees and colleagues in person, on the telephone, and over video in a meaningful way. Connecting is good, right? But not all connection methods are equal.

The key to real connection is purpose. Leaders should work to keep their vision or purpose at the forefront of communication efforts. Having a laser focus on purpose, and helping teams and employees engage in that purpose, should be at the core of what you do and how you connect.

A report by Qualtrics XM Institute in March 2021 stated that 74% of global employees reported the same or an increased level of connection as they had before the pandemic. This is likely thanks to technology. But it is how that “connected” time is spent that is worthy of focus.  

Connecting as a leadership skill is more than sending messages or participating in chats. This kind of communication is like always telling employees “good job” but never explaining what they did. Effective connections that are personal and direct help with teamwork, trust, and collaboration. And when we collaborate, we do more than we can do by ourselves. Erica Dhawan, an author and connection expert, calls this “connected intelligence,” which is key to accomplishing big goals.

Master of Scale podcast host Reid Hoffman says, “One of the most persistent and damaging myths in business today is the myth of the lone genius.” The leader who thinks they can do it all. Ideas are rarely perfectly formed when they first emerge, whether from a leader or a team. The best ideas are generated, massaged, reworked, and adapted using input and experiments through a network of employees and customers.

The true leadership skill here is connecting effectively to make things happen. Effective connections are aligned with the company's purpose through people and are composed of three types of connections. Let’s break effective connection down:

Close connections. These are people such as your team, close colleagues, or friends. Email, social media and Slack-type platforms aren’t effective at maintaining close connections. They are better for information sharing. Ongoing personal dialog and sharing why you are doing what you are doing helps build trust, which is hard to do through social media.

Network connections. You can think of these connections as your people ecosystem. They may be inside your organization, such as in another department or office location. They can be at another organization or in an association. Keep in touch with them as you would with close connections. Social media can play a role here, but in-person or video calls are better.

New connections. These people are those you have not met but want to, or who you do not know yet. It could be a position you want to connect to, another CEO, VP, director, or team leader. Ask your people ecosystem for recommended connections so you can begin developing new relationships. Sometimes, you can reach out directly yourself. This is where the wide reach of social media can be helpful.  

Maintaining and building your connections takes thought and time. Be deliberate about who you want to connect to and connect the relationship to your purpose. Focus on your team, your organization, and then your network—and try to avoid the trap of relying too much on digital communication to connect.

Here are some questions can ask as you work on building connections and enhancing communication.
 

These guiding questions are designed to help you prioritize, focus, and then act in a way, so you can communicate and connect more effectively. Modify them as they fit your needs.

Communicate strategically, thoughtfully, and constantly. And of course, always express gratitude for the connection and what the other person brings to the table.