Connection 101: Leading with Intention

In today's world of COVID and remote learning, Connection 101 believes that the practices of effective leadership and psychological safety are more important than ever. By equipping students with the tools and knowledge to lead with intentionality in the face of uncertainty, the virtual workshop Connection 101: Leading with Intention sought to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.

Participants learned new tools and perspectives grounded in research that will improve their ability to support positive team culture. Starting with the concept of psychological safety, participants developed an understanding of how effective teams collaborate, shared with one another what behaviors increase psychological safety, and discussed how psychologically safe teams can create cultures of innovation, openness, collaboration and belonging through intentional actions and behaviors. Next, participants explored leadership styles and were presented with an opportunity to discuss how awareness of their own leadership style or that of a teammate can lead to more impactful collaboration and connection. The session ended with a conversation about how the concepts of leadership styles and psychological safety are intertwined and support one another. As one participant reported afterwards, “I was able to be more aware about the positions some of my peers balance and how I can effectively support and embrace their gifts and skills.” 

Having participated in Connection 101: Leading with Intention, students now have concrete takeaways and actionable items that can be applied to various campus contexts. By empowering undergraduates to understand what it takes to create psychologically safe spaces in their organizations and teams and approach their own leadership and well-being with more awareness and intention, the Connection 101 workshop has the potential to create a ripple effect that will reach all corners of campus. The workshop has planted these seeds of awareness and knowledge that will continue to grow through thoughtful conversations with peers and continued opportunities to apply concepts learned in Connection 101: Leading with Intention. 

Most importantly, the workshop experience created a virtual space for connection. The workshop design intentionally provided opportunities for conversation around a topic of shared understanding. The instructional component of the workshop contributed to the continued growth and development of students, providing knowledge about topics not readily available in a classroom setting. Lastly, through experiencing Connection 101: Leading with Intention, the ENGS 12 TAs and professors who participated now have a shared language which will allow for more effective communication. The virtual workshop experience provided a combination of conversation, group learning and shared language which drives connection.

If you’re interested in learning more about Connection 101, visit connection-101.com or reach out to Yumi Naruke ‘20 at yumi@connection-101.com.

Written by Martha Rand '23