Dear friends,
Our last newsletter introduced you to the HELPER, the first of eight Waymaker Archetypes in our humanistic leadership model Your Way. Today, we’ll explore the CONNECTOR.
Like Helpers, CONNECTORS heavily influence belonging and attachment and are foundational resources during the early stages of an employee’s career or when employees are trying new things. Connectors leverage their relationship agility to help make a way for others. But there are some things Connectors need to be on the lookout for to prevent inadvertently causing workplace harm. Let’s dive in.
Anatomy of the CONNECTOR archetype
Why Connectors matter
Connector understands and deeply values the power of relationships. When in new situations, they find out who the players are and move to establish rapport right away. They deftly harness the trust they thoughtfully build to fuel progress in work, on teams, on behalf of individuals, and for causes they care about. Connectors are the leaders people go to for an accurate “lay of the land,” because they know—through both casual conversation and meaningful discussion—how people really feel and where the true influence lies. Relationships open doors of opportunity, and heart-centered Connectors leverage that power to help others succeed.
When Connectors matter
The Connector archetype is especially critical in homogenous environments where new (and different) people are attempting to “plug in.” Because their relationships are so strong, there’s seldom a connection they cannot facilitate. Connectors also shine in talent development, when connectedness influences who gets the visible project or the powerful stretch assignment. By tapping into your trusted network, you bring awareness to new people, new ideas, and new possibilities, and make the path to achievement less cumbersome for those who may not fit the mold.
How to nurture your Connector instincts
- Give new or lesser-known colleagues a boost by making introductions to influential colleagues who trust your judgment and are committed to your success.
- Bring people together across differences for a common purpose – a creative endeavor, a discussion about living company values, a problem-solving mission.
- When you encounter conflict that could cause reputational harm, lean in to support resolution. Your gift for cultivating mutual care and respect will go a long way.
- Use the strength of your relationships to achieve positive outcomes for those who may be less networked than you.
Things to watch out for
- Ensure you do not use connections to bypass systems of objectivity meant to open the playing field, which could help your people, but harm others in the process.
- Realize that relying on relationships to get things done can hamper knowledge transfer – people need to know how things should be done, not just who to call.
- Know when to make room for necessary conflict, even if you’re worried about the impact to a relationship. Don’t trade short-term peace for long-term pain.
- Recognize that while connecting may be easy for you, it’s not easy for everyone. Remain sensitive to the isolation that can occur when people lack meaningful connections at work and do what you can to combat that isolation.
Are you a Connector? If so, how can you use what what we’ve shared here to make a way for more people? If Connector is not your leading archetype, what inspiration can you glean from the Connector’s way? Let us know in the comments section of our LinkedIn Waymaker community.
Not sure what your archetype is? Take our FREE, 12-question quiz and encourage your team members to do so as well. Together you can make a way for all people and positively influence your work culture without changing who you are.
Next time, we’ll take a look at the Amplifier, whose motto is Lift every voice.
Until then, keep making a way!
The Waymakers Change Group