Is true leadership about making connections?

Leading or connecting? What if true leadership were something else?

For decades, leadership has been portrayed as a act of commandThe leader leads the way, and the others follow. Period. A clear, direct, almost military vision. But… does it still work?

Today the world of work has changed. The best talents don't just look for a boss who gives instructions, but a point of referenceIf people don't feel truly committed to what they do, sooner or later they'll stop believing in it. And if they stop believing in it, they'll also stop truly committing.

So, being a leader today still means “leading”? Or it means create connection with your team?

Because giving orders is no longer enough (and perhaps it never was)

Imagine two types of leaders:

• The first sets goals, monitors performance, and corrects deviations. Efficient, sure. But people follow it because they have to, not because they want to.
• The second inspires, engages, and gives people a reason to feel part of the project. It doesn't dictate: it creates an environment where everyone feels their contribution truly matters.

Which of the two do you think gets better results?

The most innovative companies have understood that true productivity comes from motivation, not control. People work better when they feel seen, heard, and part of something important.

How do you create a true connection with the team?

Spoiler alert: It's not enough to organize a company dinner or send motivational emails. Connection arises from daily actionsHere are some things that make the difference:

• Listen (seriously). It's not enough to ask questions; you need to have the patience to listen to the answers. Every issue, every report, every goal has a person behind it, with ideas, challenges, and expectations.
• Be empathetic. If your team feels like you don't understand their struggles, the connection is broken. A leader who understands their team builds trust.
• Demonstrate consistency. Say one thing and do another? Goodbye credibility. If you want to engage people, you have to be the first to believe what you say.
• Give space to others. People feel part of a project when they have a say. If you want your team to be truly engaged, you need to leave room for their ideas and opinions.

A new leadership model that connects

There is space for a new model, where leadership is not an exercise of power, but of relationships. The true leader is the one who always has the right answer, or who brings out the value of the team?

But be careful: this is not just a question of corporate wellnessIt's a matter of performanceA connected team works better, has less turnover, less stress, more creativity, and better problem-solving skills.

So how much time do you really spend connecting?

Let's do a little mental test: how many times, in your day as a leader, do you dedicate time to creating a real connection with your team, in addition to providing operational guidance?

Because in the end the real question is this: Do you want your team to follow you because they have to or because they believe in what you do together?

What do you think?

How much time do you spend connecting with your team? Tell us in the comments! 💬

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