Not Enough To Have a Plan, You Must Connect!

Ever wonder why some of the most well-thoughtout plans fail to gain momentum? How some people are successful at everything they do, while others fail miserably? What makes some attract followers without even trying, while others try and no one follows? I think I have discovered the answer……it’s called CONNECTING!

We’ve all seen individuals, companies, charities and political parties have some of the best intentions and plans, yet fail. I’ve been on committees and projects where we planned, hashed, rehashed, developed contingencies and felt completely comfortable moving forward, only to see our plans fall apart. I’ve addressed other challenges with hardly a second thought and no time to plan, and stood amazed at the success we enjoyed. As I’ve looked back on both types of experiences, I discovered, success or failure wasn’t due so much to my plans but to my ability to connect. Leadership guru John Maxwell often says, “You aren’t leading, if no one is following. You are only out taking a walk.” The best-laid plans don’t guarantee success unless and until you connect! So how do we connect? Here are some thoughts:

1. Explain the “WHY”- if people understand why you are doing whatever it is you are doing, it makes it easier for them to buy into the “how.” When people really understand your reasoning, the direction you are heading or the need you are trying to fill, they are much more likely to support you. The days of “do what I tell you” leadership are long gone! Today’s generation are a collaborative bunch. They want to know you really care and if you can connect on that level, you are well on your way to success.
2. Be Sincere- everyone recognizes a fake! Trust me, I don’t care how much of a politician or salesperson you may be, if you aren’t sincere, you audience knows. If they know you are faking, you are toast! Oh, they may go along because you are the boss or you are paying them but you won’t have their “buy in.” It is only when those you are leading know you really care, not just about the mission but about the people that they will truly buy in.
3. Listen. Too many leaders are so caught up with meeting deadlines, proving who is in charge, getting things done that they just bark out orders. It won’t work! Most of leading is LISTENING! Listen to the concerns and suggestions of those you are leading. Listen to their fears. Listen to their thoughts and ideas. Listen for what is not being said. Whatever you do……LISTEN! I’m not talking about going through the motions while you type on your keyboard or mentally check out. I’m talking about really giving people your undivided attention. Trust me, it is well worth the time and very likely will save you from a lot of heartache and failure.

Connecting is a game changer. Ronald Reagan, Phil Jackson, Martin Luther King, Jack Welch and many, many more were all great at connecting. They had that special way of conveying their message in a clear, coherent manner which caused their teams, companies and followers to get excited about their plan. While each of these people enjoyed great success, the thing that makes them special was their ability to connect. Guess what? Anyone can do it. It just takes time and the willingness to work but each of us can become connectors. Don’t wait for the next big project or work assignment. Start connecting right now! Connect with your family, friends or co-workers. Listen for their feedback. See if they are buying into your message. Refine your approach but what every you do, connect. The very best plans won’t achieve the greatness they deserve, unless we connect.