In the middle of our recent plumbing disaster, I went home for mail and found a UPS box on my patio. Inside: 6 copies of John Maxwell’s much anticipated new book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.
That evening, I led a social media seminar at our church. Before I left, I had given away two of my copies already. Giving away the books was a great way to show the attenders of the seminar how excited I was to connect with them. Also, since Maxwell used input from social media contacts to help shape the content of the book, it seemed to be an appropriate introduction to the purpose of social media involvement, connecting with others.
I enjoyed the book very much, but not because it contained any new or groundbreaking ideas. Chances are, you already know how important communication and connecting are for leaders (or anyone.)
Still, there are a few reasons I hope you will read this book.
It contains some memorable stories! Stories provide an excellent connecting point, and the stories in this book are ones that will stay with me.
It offers action points at the end of every chapter for connecting with people one-on-one, in small groups, and in a larger audience. The application makes this book extremely practical.
The concepts in this book are important, and we can all improve our connecting skills. Although I enjoy connecting with others and feel making connections is one of my areas of strength, I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on ways I could increase my effectiveness.
This book contains repeated reminders of the importance of connecting relationally to others and provides inspiration and motivation about how to do it.
I am excited to be able to offer several copies to readers who comment on this post. Tell me why you think connecting is vital to leadership. I will choose the comments that resonate most with me and contact you by email so that I can get the book to you as soon as I can.
This was originally posted at Mountain State University LeaderTalk and is re-posted with permission.
I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Becky, as you know, I am a rabid believer that relationships are the foundation for leadership. Many managers have cultivated years of knowledge; but neglect the fact that “connecting” (i.e., developing relationships) are the key to successful leadership. At some point, for many of these knowledgable leaders, their neglect at developing relationships catches up with them. The really smart ones learn how to connect!
Thanks for advancing the cause.
“Relationships are all there is. Everything in the universe only exists because it is in relationship to everything else. Nothing exists in isolation. We have to stop pretending we are individuals that can go it alone.” – Margaret Wheatley
I agree 1,000% with the quote above. See, I think that collective knowledge and experience is a great thing. Sure you can go it alone, but you advance further when you draw on the experience of others and when you learn from one another. That kind of sharing of knowledge and collective wisdom is only attained when you are constantly connecting and sharing and giving.
Connecting is at the core of leadership – mainly because leadership is all about people. When we say that leadership is influence, it does not only mean we influence others as leaders. It also means that we get influenced by other great people. Building meaningful connections with people then is at the core of building influence. Be it a business setting or an educational one, connections accelerate learning, exchange/spread of ideas and generating opportunities. When leaders are set out to build a community – connecting, communicating and exchanging value is extremely important.
Bottom line: Building an influential community through meaningful connections is at the core of great leadership.
Maxwell is right when he says, “Everything rises and falls with leadership.” With that being the case, relationships are probably the most important factor when it comes to leadership. People respond to what connects or resonates with them. The best marketers know that brand loyalty is about building a relationship and connecting with the consumer. Effective leadership requires the same type of connection with those you lead. The depth of that relationship will mirror the results.
Aleader who has poor communication skills will find it far more challenging than a great comminicator However a leader who has strong cmmunication skills will find it easier to… connect with others, therby incresing trust and respect,steering a country ,an organization, through stormy weather, build morale and manage conflict. the key components to be an effective leader are a- develop the mindset of leadership,emotional mastery is critical to congruent,credible commiumication develop leadership CHARISMA,a leader must maintain authority while commuincating charisma
Body language communicates your emotional state we make decisions primarily based on what we see rather than what we hear once you understand the meaning of postures,gestures, and facial expressions you are then empowered to be far more effective in your leadership communication when you master the above communication skills your ability to steer your organization through today’s tough challenges will be significantly enhaced
What a great idea for a book. I hope I win so i can use it at school with my students, peers, and administrators. Communication is key to putting the joy in wanting to learn! I think my husband will enjoy using it with his church congregation and dare I say… wife? : )
Thanks for your recommendation and review, Becky!