The Power of Connection in Leadership

I’ve always believed that leadership is more than what we do. It’s much closer to who we are.

When I encounter a leader deeply confident, present, and connected, I don’t see someone perfect. I see someone who has learned to connect — to themselves, their values, and the people they serve.

Connecting Deeply Begins Within

Coaching, facilitation, and leadership development have given me many insights, but one truth rises above the rest: connection is the currency of modern leadership. When we connect well — to our own clarity, our team’s purpose, and the systems around us — we lead with presence, not just performance.

Recently, I embarked on a new chapter: I began training toward the Whole Person Coach® certification through Coach Training World. This isn’t simply about acquiring another credential; it’s about aligning every dimension of leadership: career, health, relationships, and values. At the heart of this journey is the belief that we lead best when we lead whole.

We lead best when we lead whole

Why Connection Matters Now More Than Ever

Research confirms what many of us feel intuitively: coaching and intentional leadership development create ripple effects beyond the individual. One recent meta-analysis found that workplace coaching produces positive organizational outcomes, including improved self-awareness and decision-making, even when delivered virtually.

Another study from the Center for Creative Leadership shows that leaders who engage in coaching not only develop critical thinking and team performance, they strengthen their resilience across physical, mental, emotional, and social domains.

When we deepen connection, starting with ourselves, we give our teams the same gift.

When connection is missing, the cracks in leadership start to show. Disconnected leaders often find themselves managing compliance instead of inspiring commitment and that shift can cost an organization its most passionate people. Employees may feel unseen, undervalued, or uncertain about their place in the team’s mission. Productivity might hold steady for a while, but motivation and trust quietly erode.

What Connection Looks Like in Action

Within our CEO of You® framework, connection plays out across three levels: Self, Others, and System (SOS).

• Self: It’s the internal dialogue, the clarity of vision, and the confidence that says, I’m built for this.

• Others: It’s the relationships, the trusted conversations, and the safe spaces where real growth happens.

• System: It’s the culture, the processes, and the alignment of structure and strategy that lets connection scale.

Connection isn’t passive. It isn’t about networking or superficial relationships. It’s about presence, authenticity, and meaningful alignment.

Reflect for a moment:

Where in your leadership do you feel most connected — to your purpose, your team, your values? And where might you be doing enough tasks, but not truly connecting?

If connection is the currency, are you investing wisely?

In Closing

As I continue to grow, learn, and lead, I’m committed to building systems and coaching practices that honor the whole person. Because true leadership — the kind that lasts, the kind that transforms — is not about doing more. It’s about connecting more deeply.

Let’s lead with clarity. Let’s lead with confidence. Let’s lead through connection.

— Dr. Princess M. Cullum

Sources

• National Library of Medicine — Workplace coaching: a meta-analysis and recommendations for advancing the science of coaching.

• Center for Creative Leadership — Leadership Resilience: Handling Stress, Uncertainty, and Setbacks