I recently asked a room full of leaders to name the most impactful moment in their careers. Not one mentioned a newly formulated strategy or a data dashboard. Instead, they referenced meaningful conversations, mentors, and moments of deep connection that shaped their paths. In an age defined by automation and algorithms, it’s these moments of human connection that define exceptional leadership.
At its core, exceptional leadership is about the continual pursuit of building and sustaining a genuine connection with those you lead.
Let’s explore why building these meaningful connections is pivotal for organizational culture and success and how today’s leaders can balance technology and human-centric behaviors to lead effectively.
Why Human Connection Matters in Leadership
Human connection is the glue that binds teams and organizations. It builds trust, fuels collaboration, and drives a deep sense of belonging. Great leaders intuitively understand that no amount of technological advancement can replace the strength of personal relationships. When individuals feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued by their leaders, they are more engaged, loyal, and committed to the organization’s mission.
Generative AI (gen AI) is transforming productivity, enabling faster, high-quality work. However, new research highlights a critical trade-off: while AI enhances task performance, it also significantly reduces intrinsic motivation while increasing boredom when employees turn to non-AI tasks.
These psychological costs, such as diminished engagement and creativity, highlight the importance of thoughtful AI integration. By combining AI contributions with human creativity, designing engaging solo tasks, and encouraging mindful AI usage, organizations can create a healthier balance. More importantly, the situation calls for a renewed focus on human-centric leadership—a leadership philosophy that prioritizes connection, purpose, and intentionality to help mitigate these challenges and ensure the workplace remains a space where people thrive.
The Challenges of Leadership and Maintaining Connection
At first glance, technology might seem like the perfect tool to build deeper connections. Video calls, collaborative platforms, and automated feedback loops make it easier than ever to stay connected with large, dispersed teams. However, if not used thoughtfully, technology can inadvertently hinder authentic relationships.
- The Illusion of Connection: Digital platforms enable constant communication, but they often lack emotional depth. Replacing a heartfelt one-on-one conversation with a quick email or chat message can gradually erode trust and meaningful relationships.
- Overemphasis on Productivity: Many software tools prioritize efficiency and performance metrics, often at the expense of the human experience. This can leave employees feeling undervalued, as though their unique contributions are overshadowed by metrics.
- Communication Overload: While technology accelerates the flow of information, the sheer volume can overwhelm employees, making it harder to focus on meaningful interactions and connections.
To truly drive human connection in this tech-driven environment, leaders must prioritize presence over convenience, cultivate intentional communication, and create spaces for authentic interactions.
Leveraging Technology Without Losing Touch
I want to make one thing abundantly clear: technology isn’t the enemy of human connection—it’s how we choose to use it that truly matters. In fact, I believe that leaders who fail to properly leverage technology and generative AI risk diminishing their overall impact.
The most effective leaders strike a balance between the digital and personal realms, creating workplaces where both efficiency and empathy thrive. Here are some practical strategies for leveraging technology in leadership while staying focused on driving connection:
1. Use Technology to Enhance, Not Replace Face-to-Face Interactions
Even remote-first organizations can find opportunities to cultivate connection. For instance, companies like Buffer and Zapier, known for their fully remote workforces, organize in-person retreats to help colleagues forge deeper bonds. Virtual calls don’t have to focus solely on business; dedicating the first five minutes to personal check-ins can significantly enhance the experience.
2. Integrate Empathy Into Digital Tools
Leaders can cultivate a culture of warm, human communication, even in digital spaces. For example, rather than sending a blunt message like, “Can you get this done by Monday?”, a more thoughtful approach would be to say, “I hope your week is going well. Would it be possible to work on this by Monday?”—can make a significant difference. These small shifts in tone not only demonstrate empathy but also contribute to a more positive and supportive digital environment.
3. Balance Data with Storytelling
While metrics and data are vital, they rarely provide a complete picture. Similarly, relying solely on stories to make key points without credible data can be ineffective, especially during times of heightened emotion or stress. As highlighted in the Forbes article “The Leadership Mistake No One Admits—Storytelling Without Data Fails,” the most effective approach is to combine the two. Pairing compelling narratives with credible data creates a balanced and persuasive strategy, ensuring emotional resonance is backed by tangible evidence.
Arne Sorenson, the former CEO of Marriott International, exemplifies the effective use of technology without compromising emotional connection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Marriott faced some of the hardest times in its history, Sorenson delivered a heartfelt video message to the company’s 174,000 employees. Despite being visibly emotional and undergoing chemotherapy at the time, he shared the painful truths about the company’s struggles while expressing deep gratitude for the workforce’s resilience. His humility and sincerity resonated deeply and reinforced trust within the organization, proving that vulnerability and powerful storytelling are strengths in leadership.
Strategies for Leaders to Build Genuine Connections
For leaders looking to strengthen human connection, here are some practical steps:
- Practice Active Listening: Create intentional space in meetings to genuinely hear the perspectives of others. Turn off notifications, avoid multitasking, and give individuals your full attention.
- Empower Through Recognition: Consistently acknowledge the contributions of others, no matter how small. Spontaneous public recognition in meetings or personalized notes of gratitude can greatly boost morale. I’ve seen the power of this firsthand time after time.
- Instill Psychological Safety: Encourage open conversations where team members aren’t afraid to share concerns, ideas, or challenges. Always reward vulnerability instead of penalizing it.
- Lead by Example: Consistently demonstrate the values you want to see in your organization. If connection matters, prioritize it in your daily actions. Conduct regular one-on-ones, dedicate time to mentoring, and show employees they matter.
- Celebrate Shared Moments: Whether it’s company milestones, personal anniversaries, or team achievements, always take the time to celebrate together. Shared appreciation over time strengthens bonds.
Building a Legacy of Leadership Connection
At the heart of every world-class organization are leaders who make people feel like more than just a number or simply employees. They create an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and inspired to bring their best selves to work. By prioritizing human connection, even amid rapid technological change, leaders can build cultures that thrive on trust, togetherness, and radical authenticity.
The question isn’t whether technology will change how we work, but whether we’ll have the courage to preserve what’s deeply human amid such advancement. Impact-driven leaders understand that while technology is transient, the power of human connection leaves an enduring legacy. Will you choose to lead in a way that strengthens those connections? The choice, and the impact, is yours.