It is Leadership Malpractice If You Are Not Meeting Your People

For over 30 years in my corporate career, I have consistently observed that very few senior executives truly know how to connect with their people asynchronously. Many reasons account for this reluctance. One of the most common reasons is fear; they are afraid to open up because it might make them seem weak or unsure. However, some say that keeping a professional distance is vital to maintaining authority and respect. On top of everything else, it is tough for leaders to find time for one-on-one interactions, given that they are in very senior positions and everyone, including them, has a full plate. Finally, a lack of confidence in their emotional competency can make leaders apprehensive about building stronger relationships for fear that something might go wrong. Nevertheless, these obstacles can be manoeuvred with some control and a durable passion for building strong, trustful relationships.

On Connection and Leadership

A few years ago, a CEO at one of the largest logistics companies decided to introduce drastic organisational changes. He sent an email to make this process smoother. Sadly, it created unrest and confusion among the employees. The contents of the mail made their future look bleak—disenfranchised, disconnected, and a little lost. After a week, the CEO understood the gravity of the situation and decided to try a different approach. He pulled teams aside to give them a personal explanation, had separate meetings with seniors, answered questions and explained the rationale behind the changes. A few days later, he had another follow-up meeting to check on any issues. ?This changed everything, and employees started understanding each other and the reason for the changes. This reminds us why leaders, especially, should make contact with their team members first.

What Real Connection ...Really Is?

How easy is it to connect with people? It's easy; you just need to get out of your office and have meaningful conversations. Appear as an honest, beautiful, raw human. Demonstrate sincere interest in the life, growth, and overall well-being of your team members. Hear them out, respond to their questions, and provide transparency, especially when it is uncomfortable.

Here is another story that I can recall. A few years back, Jaya, a mid-level manager at one of the respectable private sector banks in Mumbai, made it a point every morning to take a 15-minute walk around the office and stop by her team's desks for small talk. She heard about the struggles they were having, the successes that made them light up, and in some circumstances, she even shared a little of her own story. To her team, they knew she valued them as people, not just workers. This made her team far more open to feedback and likely to put extra effort into a task.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency is key. Being there for your team, even when everything is okay, is essential. Don’t be a fair-weather friend. Even though it is hard and often uncomfortable and makes you feel rejected, keep reaching out to your team. Consistently taking this approach builds a foundation of trust.

Here is the story of?Raj, a department head at an IT company in Bangalore, who experienced regular pushback from his team when they embarked on challenging projects. Rather than retreat, Raj dug in even deeper to pursue communication and connection. He maintained a regular cadence of check-ins, sometimes at a moment’s notice, even in contentious moments. His team saw this dedication, and over time, the employees started to feel that he genuinely had their best interests at heart, and a culture of respect and trust was established.

The Enlightening Nature of Connectivity

Many benefits come about when leaders lead with connection. This approach cuts through the noise, and people feel seen and heard, which greatly boosts engagement. This increases your team members' productivity and well-being. This plan results in more inspired, happier, and dedicated employees who feel success is a shared journey, leading to a win-win for everyone involved.

Here is another one: At a renowned retail marketing firm, when sales were down and morale was low, the leadership team decided to invest in regular one-on-one meetings and informal team gatherings. In just over 3 months, this initiative led to a noticeable improvement in employee satisfaction scores and a reduction in employee attrition rates. Employees felt like they mattered, were more valued and were part of a cohesive unit, which significantly boosted both individual and collective performance.

The Path to Better Leadership

Leadership is not simply leading from the top and making decisions. True leadership transcends authoritative commands and involves building a culture where people feel valued and understood. This type of leadership requires genuine engagement, active listening, and empathy. When leaders prioritise these connections, they foster a positive work environment where trust and respect flourish.

Effective leaders also recognise that their role extends beyond setting goals and monitoring performance. They understand the importance of knowing their team members on a personal level, acknowledging their individual strengths, and supporting their professional growth. This approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also boosts overall team productivity.

Conclusion

Connecting with your people is not an add-on to your leadership role; it is the core of effective leadership. When connections are the focus, leaders create an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and their contributions matter. This results in higher engagement levels, increased loyalty, and a stronger commitment to collective goals. In such a setting, employees are more likely to go above and beyond, driving innovation and achieving outstanding results. So, remember that leadership is also about showing up consistently, being genuine, and making your team feel valued. Make it a priority to engage with your team genuinely and consistently. You will see the dividends in improved team morale, engagement, and productivity.

Leadership, in a nutshell, is all about relationships. Leaders who connect with their people lay the groundwork for a thriving, resilient organisation. It is the human touch that transforms management into leadership—part man, part angel!