Jen Kronenberger is the founder of the Human Leadership Institute, a four-time TEDx speaker, and an expert on relational leadership and performance psychology.
As America emerges from a deeply divided election season, the need for leadership that prioritizes unity, empathy, and connection has never been more urgent. Polarization in both the political and social spheres creates an environment in which dialogue is often difficult, common ground is lacking, and trust is undermined.
Your organization, company, team, family, school are all microcosms of what we see across the country. As always, some of us are feeling hurt, angry, and scared, while others are feeling empowered and excited about the future. In this divided world, relational leadership (a model developed through our own research on leadership) emphasizes empathy, understanding, and authentic connection. It also provides a path to reconnection.
The need for leadership in human relationships is greater than ever.
During times of heightened tension, typical power-based or task-oriented leadership is insufficient. Leaders who focus primarily on hierarchy, power, and results risk alienating their audience and further deepening the divide. Instead, relational leadership views people as the foundation for lasting change and prioritizes connection over control. This leadership model fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, collaborative problem-solving is the norm, and all voices feel heard.
Relational leadership is not limited to a specific area. It can be implemented by governments, businesses, communities, etc. Its core principle is simple. “Strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful progress.” Through these connections, even when our disagreements are deep, we can bridge gaps, rebuild trust, and work toward common goals.
Definition of leadership in relationships
Rather than commanding or directing, relational leaders continually interact with their teams, stakeholders, and community members to foster mutual respect and understanding. They know how to give and receive feedback effectively and are a stepping stone to leading innovation and change in any organization or team.
Leadership in relationships requires:
• Empathy: The willingness to understand the perspectives and feelings of others.
• Authenticity: Lead with honesty, vulnerability, and transparency.
• Active listening: Pay full attention to what the other person is saying without planning your response before they have finished speaking.
• Inclusivity: Create an environment where all voices can meaningfully contribute to the conversation and where everyone feels safe enough without retaliation or retaliation.
Relationship-oriented leadership creates an environment where the focus is on both people and performance, leading to deeper levels of engagement and trust, resulting in long-term success.
How relationship leadership can heal divisions
Leaders who adopt a relational approach are uniquely positioned to help bridge the gaps in society. In moments of conflict, relationship leaders can create a space where individuals feel valued and understood, even if they hold opposing viewpoints. Rather than avoiding conflict, relationship leaders view it as an opportunity for growth, hold space for constructive dialogue, and focus on commonalities rather than differences.
Recent examples of relational leadership in action can be seen in the approaches of several community organizations working to reduce tensions in polarized neighborhoods. By hosting listening sessions, town halls, and inclusive workshops, these organizations create an environment where diverse voices come together to share experiences and find solutions. This approach strengthens communities from within, uniting individuals around common goals, values, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Practical strategies for leaders to reconnect and build trust
To effectively implement relational leadership, leaders must adopt several key practices. Here, we help leaders foster authentic connections and rebuild trust, not just after divisive election cycles, but amidst AI, digital transformation, and everyday norms of uncertainty. Here are five actionable strategies.
1. Have inclusive conversations
Host open forums and listening sessions to allow team members, constituents, and stakeholders to speak their minds without fear of judgement. The focus should be on listening to understand rather than responding to defend a position. We call them “Listening Circles” and the feedback on how well they have worked in various organizations has been amazing.
2. Focus on shared goals
Highlight areas of commonality. Rather than getting caught up in polarizing issues, leaders can find common ground by focusing on common goals like community safety, economic stability, and access to education. Most people want to get behind the things that are important to them. Find purposeful ideas that bring people together.
3. Lead with empathy
Practice empathy in every interaction. Relationship leaders always seek to understand the emotions of others and acknowledge and validate the experiences and emotions of others. In the workplace, for example, this means communicating regularly with employees and creating space for their mental health and wellbeing.
4. Encourage transparency and accountability
Transparency builds trust. Be open about your intentions, goals, and even mistakes. When leaders are transparent and vulnerable, it demonstrates a commitment to integrity and respect, and creates an environment in which others are more likely to respond. Listening to all voices is a great way to build this accountability so that those around you understand not just your words, but your actions.
5. Focus on building long-term relationships
Relational leaders invest in building long-term relationships rather than looking for quick wins. This requires a focus on patience and sustainable connections, building a foundation of trust that will withstand future challenges.
For the future: sustainable models of collaboration, connection and community
Relational leadership provides a model for sustainable cohesion by encouraging people to prioritize people and relationships. Leaders who adopt this approach understand that lasting progress is only possible when people feel included, valued, and connected. By focusing on interpersonal practices, leaders can create a culture of resilience and adaptability in their workplaces, communities, or broader social circles.
The path forward requires the involvement of leaders from all walks of life who understand that real change is rooted in relationships. For America and other polarized societies, relational leadership offers a way to transcend partisanship and division. Now is the time to model empathy, engage in honest dialogue, and focus on building meaningful relationships that lead to real and lasting progress.
Relational leadership provides a blueprint for a more connected, understanding, and caring society. As leaders around the world seek ways to heal and reconnect, relational leadership can be the bridge we need to move forward together.
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