Steady Leaders Manufacture Connection
One of the most overlooked forms of wealth is social wealth, defined by the depth and quality of your relationships. And here’s the truth: connection is a two-way street.
It’s not enough just to want to connect with others.
You need to be someone others want to connect with.
Whether you’re leading a team or closing a sale, meaningful connection depends on three things:
Trust: Without it, no one feels safe enough to share openly and be vulnerable.
Respect: It’s earned when you show up as a subject matter expert. People trust those who know what they’re doing.
Likability: People connect with those they enjoy being around. Do others leave conversations with you feeling lighter, more confident, more hopeful?
The good news? You can build all three. In fact, Sahil Bloom offers a simple tactic in his book, The 5 Types of Wealth, that aligns perfectly:
Ask: “What’s been making you smile lately?”
It’s a simple, disarming question that opens a door—what Bloom calls a “doorknob.” Great conversationalists create these moments and then listen loudly to what follows. That’s how trust, respect, and even likability are born.
If I had to summarize this into one sentence, it would be:
Steady leaders don’t wait for connection—they manufacture it.
So, here’s your challenge this week
Lead conversations with genuine questions.
Show up to your interactions prepared, competent, and present.
Bring joy into every room.
Do that, and your social wealth account will grow beyond measure.
- Schuyler
Written by Schuyler Williamson
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God Bless!
~ Schuyler Williamson