In Alchemist’s leadership framework, the Connector is the person who thrives on building cross-functional networks. They value relationships at every level from their direct reports to c-suite and beyond.  

Without the skills and abilities of a Connector, you risk having a siloed workforce who are reluctant to collaborate, share knowledge or engage. Worse than this, a lack of soft skills in leadership can amplify feelings of being undervalued in teams, leading to situations like quiet quitting.  

Utilising this profile’s soft skills in trust building, communication and conflict resolution allows your leaders to foster durable connections and bring teams together to collaborate. Being able to deliver information with impact and use of compelling language unites everyone with a shared purpose, driving success across the organisation.  

Through collaborative work, managers will be able to take diverse points of view and balance them to reach a general consensus. This connective approach has been shown to improve decision making and result in higher performance¹. 

Clearly, this style of leadership is vital to the business and success of its people. So what are the key characteristics of the Connector? 

Effective Communication

Developing high level communication skills is imperative to the Connector. Clear and compelling communication is essential to this leader’s network, ensuring a cohesive approach to shared goals. Fostering trust is the basis for their robust professional networks. By engaging with team members in an authentic way and using practical tactics to elicit trust and respect, these leaders can maintain unbreakable bonds.  

Employing skills like active listening, using inclusive language and emotional intelligence help individuals in the team to feel engaged. This leader displays a genuine parity between sharing and listening to balance perspectives and maintain harmonious relationships with team members. With these personal connections established, employees become heavily invested in their work, their team and their performance, igniting their motivation to achieve. 

Cross Functional Teams

Working cross-functionally is shown to improve the outcomes for a business. Connector leadership encourages extensive, cross-functional relationships that pull the organisation together. This cohesion is what facilitates each team meeting their objectives and performing in alignment with organisational goals. 

Building diverse networks that include people from all levels of the organisation helps this leader to support collaborative working. In turn, this brings greater success to all corners of the business. If the importance of these relationships is overlooked, it can undermine a leader’s ability to get things done. By proactively seeking cross-functional connections, they are able to maintain their own productivity while also facilitating it in their team. 

Conflict Resolution

Successfully navigating any relationship requires smart conflict resolution. Researchers say that even though conflict can be temporarily disruptive, effective conflict solutions can leave the team stronger and feeling more connected².  This is crucial to the performance of any function. Without these connections in place, silos can be created and act as mini black holes across the organisation. There is, therefore, a need for the leadership arsenal to include workplace mediation.  

Navigating conflict in a way that strengthens bonds is a core trait of this role. Leaning on deep personal connections and the trust that lies within allows them to find mutually agreeable solutions when resolving a dispute. Rather than damaging the relationship with defensiveness or harsh punishment, this person is adept at leading through volatile circumstances with empathy, leaving behind a much stronger relationship post-conflict.  

Soft Skills

While communication and conflict resolution are examples of soft skills, there are many more characteristics that go in to making up a well-developed skill set. Some of these are pertinent to Connector leadership, like problem-solving, dependability, teamwork and accountability.  

Relying on these interpersonal skills is what gives this leader the foundation and capability to pursue positive professional relationships. Without honing these competencies, Connectors risk missing opportunities to fulfil their potential. Through skills development, they can excel as an empathic leader that expertly brings people together to create and win more opportunities.  

It’s safe to say that the Connector is an important role in our web of leadership skills. With their natural curiosity and genuine care for other people, they can build incredibly robust and diverse networks. Their cross-functional relationships allow for collaborative teamwork, delivering results for everyone.  

Their communication skills, reflective listening and emotional intelligence help them build valuable connections that contribute to the success of their team and that of the organisation, facilitating clear decision making and high performance. Overall, the Connector is a model of people-focused leadership that is fed by empathy.  

Need a Connector In Your Team? Speak To Alchemist 

If you can see the need for the skills of a Connector in your leaders, a leadership enablement learning journey might be for you. By encouraging your leaders to take an introspective look at their skills and leadership style, we will work closely with you to nurture their innate abilities while also encouraging new skills to keep them well-balanced and effective in their positions. Get in touch with Alchemist today to find out how a leadership programme could work for your business.  

¹Carmeli, 2008; Carmeli et al, 2009 

²Kapur, 2020