Leaders Don’t Wait for Connection... They Create it! Make the First Move.

Hello Reader,

Hello from Merivälja... that's Estonian for "Sea Field"!

I'm on the eastern coast of Tallinn Bay. And, as often happens when I travel, I noticed some interesting behavior.

One thing Estonians joke about is that they don’t smile much… and they don’t really say hello to strangers. Whether that’s completely true or just a cultural stereotype isn’t really the point.

This is my third time here and each visit reminds me of the same thing – even when people act like they don’t want to connect… they really do.

And, I don’t just mean Estonians. I mean human beings.

This is one of those moments where understanding neurobiology changes everything.

Our brains are built for connection. We want to be seen. We want to be recognized. We want to know we’re safe. We want to belong.

That’s true in Tallinn… in Tokyo… in New York. It’s true in your boardroom.

The challenge is that everyone often waits for someone else to make the first move. And that’s where leadership begins.

Leaders go first.

They smile first. They say hello first. They ask the thoughtful question first. They create safety first.

When you do that, something remarkable happens.

People almost always come toward you. Not because you manipulated them, but because you gave them permission to do what they already wanted to do.

Here’s a simple challenge for today:

Choose one interaction where you would normally stay reserved. THEN...

• >>> Be the first to smile.
• >>> Be the first to say hello.
• >>> Be the first to make someone else feel seen.

And watch what happens.

You’ll discover something that has been true everywhere I’ve traveled:

Connection is one of the deepest human desires we have.

Watch the two-minute video and let’s connect.

To your success,

– John

P.S. If you’re leading a team, remember this: the emotional tone of the room usually doesn’t come from the people following you...it comes from you. Leaders don’t wait for connection. They create it. If you'd like support in doing that well, and with style, click this link--
​https://links.executivespeakingsuccess.com/widget/bookings/15min-clarity-call-jkb​

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Can't watch the video? Click Here.

From the Archive - Live Like a Leader PODCAST!

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The New Landscape of Leadership | Jeffrey Hull

Jeffrey Hull, PhD, is an author, educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience partnering with C-suite executives on high-performance leadership, change management, organizational strategy, structure, and culture.

He is a highly sought-after facilitator, keynote speaker, and executive coach to both nonprofit and for-profit global organizations. The CEO of LeaderShift Inc., a management consultancy based in New York City, he is also a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and an adjunct professor of leadership at New York University.

Learn more about Jeffrey at jeffreyhull.com or instituteofcoaching.org.

LET'S CONNECT

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