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Loneliness is more than just a bad feeling — it’s a threat to both individual and societal health.

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the 19th and 21st surgeon general of the United States, highlighted this when he expressed deep concern last year about the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

"When I first took office as surgeon general in 2014, I didn’t view loneliness as a public health concern. But that was before I embarked on a cross-country listening tour... Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being,” he said.

“But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together. We can build lives and communities that are healthier and happier. And we can ensure our country and the world are better poised than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead. Our future depends on what we do today."

So, why is this important to us as leaders? Because whether we’re called coach, principal, world’s Best Parent, GM, or CEO, our role in life — both at home and at work — is to nurture and develop the human potential of those around us.

We often hear the word "connection" in business and sports, but are we truly connected, or just less distracted by external influences at any given moment?

When it comes to the high performance of teams and organizations, connected leadership fosters a culture of open communication and collaboration. Connected leaders build trust, integrity and honesty within their organizations by consistently embodying and living these qualities daily themselves.

To help us strengthen our connection as leaders, here are five strategies from UC Berkeley's Executive Education program:

1. Set an Intention

It's easy to talk about being a more connected leader, but it requires action. Decide that you will take it seriously and dedicate time to develop an actionable strategy for increasing your leadership connectivity.

2. Connect Regularly

Establishing and maintaining connections takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Make connecting with your team a habit by scheduling regular one-on-one check-ins and group gatherings to deepen work and personal relationships.

3. Ask Questions

Show genuine interest in your team — ask about their interests, challenges, and experiences. Be present and actively listen to their answers. When people feel seen and heard, they are more likely to contribute ideas and voice concerns.

4. Show That You’re Human

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. When you show that you’re human, with flaws just like everyone else, it creates a more liberating environment. Your team won’t feel the need to put up appearances or hold back.

5. Demonstrate Empathy

Connection involves acknowledging others’ lived experiences and feelings. If you’re unsure how someone feels, ask, or try to put yourself in their shoes. Sharing a similar experience or offering support shows that you care, which goes a long way in building genuine relationships and meaningful connections.

As leaders, the strength of our connections directly impacts the sustained excellence of our teams and communities. 

Our actions can not only shape healthier, happier teams and organizations — but also pave the way for a more connected and resilient future.

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