The Natural Leader Blog

Agitated Connection: Why Leaders Must Cultivate Human and Natural Bonds

Posted in Consultancy
10th November 2024

It’s a strange moment we’re living in. We’re more connected than ever—digitally, globally, instantaneously—but somehow, we’ve never felt more disconnected. It’s as if we’re surrounded by endless streams of data, social networks, and digital platforms, but none of it quite hits the mark when it comes to what our minds, bodies, and souls are truly craving.

As leaders, we feel the weight of this. We’re in the business of connection—connecting with our teams, our clients, our communities. But somewhere along the way, the nature of those connections has been warped. In a world where everything is moving faster and faster, we’re constantly being pushed toward more efficiency, more productivity, more results. But we’re overlooking something vital: the need for meaningful connection. Human connection. And connection with the natural world around us.

It’s not just a soft, idealistic notion. The importance of genuine connection is not only foundational to our well-being but essential to our success. When we, as leaders, connect authentically with the people around us, and with nature itself, something profound happens. We unlock greater creativity, resilience, and even productivity. We begin to see things from a new perspective, and our capacity for empathy, decision-making, and long-term vision expands. Let me break it down.

The Human Connection Crisis

The paradox is real: As we embrace technology to bridge gaps, we simultaneously create distance. According to a 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association, 61% of adults report feeling lonely, a statistic that has skyrocketed in the past decade. This loneliness doesn’t just affect personal relationships; it impacts work relationships too. Leaders who fail to forge deep, authentic connections with their teams are more likely to see disengagement, burnout, and turnover.

But connection—true connection—is not just about being around people. It’s about being present with them. It’s about showing up as your full self, with vulnerability, authenticity, and empathy. It’s about creating environments where others feel safe enough to do the same. In a world that values efficiency over emotional literacy, leaders must champion connection in ways that foster trust and build loyalty. When people feel understood and seen, they are more willing to invest their energy, creativity, and commitment into their work.

Think about it: When was the last time you had a conversation with someone that felt completely uninterrupted and wholehearted? Too often, we’re multitasking, checking emails, or distracted by the constant barrage of notifications. But the moments that truly matter in leadership—those critical, transformational conversations—happen when we give people our undivided attention. Real connection requires focus, listening, and patience.

Nature as a Bridge to Clarity and Calm

But the conversation doesn’t stop with human connection. If we want to unlock deeper levels of creativity and well-being, we need to bring nature into the mix. It may sound a little out there, but stick with me.

In our modern world, most of us live in cities, surrounded by concrete, screens, and the relentless buzz of urban life. Yet, there’s a growing body of research that shows how deeply nature influences our mental health, cognitive function, and overall resilience. Spending time in nature—whether it’s taking a walk in the park, hiking in the woods, or simply gazing out at a body of water—has been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance problem-solving abilities.

As leaders, this connection with nature doesn’t just benefit us personally. It impacts our professional lives too. The clarity that comes from a quiet moment in nature can lead to breakthrough ideas and a sense of calm that is essential when facing difficult decisions. Nature also fosters a deep sense of interconnectedness. When we spend time in nature, we are reminded that everything is part of a larger system, something that can profoundly inform how we approach systems, teams, and organizations. Nature teaches us about patience, balance, and resilience—qualities we need as leaders.

Reclaiming Our Connection

The question is: How do we cultivate these connections in a world that pulls us in every direction?

First, we must make a conscious effort to slow down. As leaders, we are often the drivers of culture in our organizations. We set the tone for how our teams work, interact, and thrive. If we don’t model connection—whether with people or nature—we can’t expect it to emerge organically. That means taking intentional time for face-to-face, uninterrupted conversation. It means encouraging your team to take breaks and step outside for a breath of fresh air. It means recognizing that human connection is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for organizational success.

Next, we need to create spaces where people can connect with each other—and with nature. Whether it’s designing office spaces that bring in natural elements (think plants, natural lighting, and outdoor spaces) or encouraging outdoor team-building activities, we must give people the opportunity to connect with both one another and the environment. This could mean hosting retreats in natural settings, instituting walking meetings, or simply creating moments of quiet reflection during the day.

Lastly, we must embrace the idea that connection is an ongoing practice. It’s not a checkbox to tick off; it’s a mindset that we cultivate day after day. Just as we take time to nurture our personal relationships, we must dedicate energy to our relationships with the natural world. The more we do this, the more we model the behaviour we want to see in our organizations.

The Rewards of Connection

I have experienced, firsthand, the transformative power of connection—both with others and with nature. Leaders who make time to build relationships with their teams, and who encourage their teams to reconnect with the natural world, often find that they cultivate a sense of purpose, resilience, and even joy. This translates to increased productivity, more innovation, and a greater sense of fulfillment.

My invitation to you is to take a step back and put connection at the centre of your leadership performance. Ask yourself: What connections am I neglecting in my life? How can I deepen my relationships with the people around me? How can I integrate more moments of nature into my daily routine? In an increasingly fragmented world, there’s never been a better time to prioritize connection. It’s not just good for the soul—it’s good for business.

In the end, it’s simple:  This isn’t about soft skills. This is evidence based. The approach needed for optimal, healthy and enduring leadership performance. The better, deeper and broader our quality of connection, the better the leader we are. We are human, and we are part of nature. When we reconnect with both, we unlock the full potential of who we are as individuals and leaders. And that’s a connection worth cultivating. You can start right here