It’s important to remember that facts rarely change how people feel. As people move up in an organization, they often focus more on information and less on emotional connection.

When leaders connect emotionally with their team, they build trust and loyalty. Team members are more likely to feel valued and respected, which fosters a positive work environment.

An emotionally connected leader can inspire and motivate their team. People are more engaged and committed to their work when they feel understood and supported by their leaders. It’s a good thing for everyone!

Here are three strategies to better connect emotionally with your team:

1. Embrace Storytelling: Senior leaders should use the power of storytelling in their presentations. Including personal stories that support the business message can show an emotional connection to the team. (Some things to remember: Make sure the story is relevent and has a clear purpose. Include a bit of drama to grab your audience’s attention and a few details to make it memorable. Keep it under 3 minutes!)

2. Show Vulnerability: Find opportunities to show vulnerability by occasionally talking about times you failed at something, either at the company or in a previous role. You don’t need to dwell on the failure, just acknowledge it and bridge it to how it will help the team moving forward.

3. Create Human Moments: Take 60 seconds of uninterrupted time to make team members feel valued and heard. Put down the cell phone, make eye contact, listen intentionally – even a few seconds of connection can leave a lasting impression!

Ready to guide your organization to greener pastures?

Contact Black Sheep Global Consulting today to discover how our expert leadership development training can help your team thrive and stand out in today’s competitive market.