Does Connection Truly Matter in Being an Exceptional Leader?
Why This Matters
Connection is more than just being in touch or attending meetings—it’s about authentic presence. When leaders are genuinely connected to themselves, others, and the world around them, they lead with clarity, empathy, and trust.
A leader who cultivates connection shows up intentional and aligned, rather than reactive and scattered. This depth of presence is what makes conversations meaningful, decisions grounded, and performance sustainable.
There are three layers of connection that shape leadership fitness:
Inner Connection – Knowing yourself well enough to lead from your values, not just your habits.
Connection with Others – Being present and empathetic in how you engage, not just efficient.
Connection with the World – Engaging beyond your team or goals, recognizing your role in something bigger.
In a world that moves fast, connection slows us down in all the right ways.
Common Challenges
It’s no surprise that many professionals struggle to build and maintain real connection—despite being constantly surrounded by people and messages. What gets in the way?
Speed over presence: There’s pressure to move fast, answer quickly, and jump to the next thing.
Overlapping meetings: Our schedules are stacked, leaving no space for reflection—or for real conversation.
Lack of clear priorities: Everything feels urgent, so we lose sight of what truly matters.
Mental fragmentation: The constant switching between roles, tasks, and conversations leaves us depleted.
Unhealthy competition: The focus on individual wins can quietly erode trust, collaboration, and connection.
These patterns create a surface-level kind of leadership—efficient but disconnected.
Try This Instead
Connection doesn’t require more time—it requires different choices. Try these five simple, powerful shifts to become Fit to Lead leader:
Pause before the next interaction – One breath, one moment to reset your attention makes you more present and impactful.
Prioritize like it matters – Following Greg McKeown’s philosophy of essentialism, ask: What is the one thing that really matters right now? Let the non-essential wait.
Be intentional with your presence – Show up with curiosity, not just an agenda. Even in brief exchanges, people feel the difference.
Find a connection partner – Invite a colleague or peer to commit with you. A quick weekly check-in can spark reflection and support.
Stay curious – Ask one question a day that deepens connection. “What’s something important on your mind this week?” can go a long way.
Results and high performance don’t happen in isolation. They’re built on trust, clarity, and connection.
This week, choose to lead differently—with intention, empathy, and presence—and watch the ripple effect it creates.
You’re Fit to Lead. Stay connected.