When I was coming up in the workforce during the 1970s and 1980s, the prevailing management style was simple: "My way or the highway." Leaders gave orders, and employees were expected to follow them without question.

That approach doesn't work with today's workforce. Modern employees want more than direction—they want connection. They need to know that their leaders genuinely care about them before they care how much those leaders know.

Darren Ford is in the studio today. He's a keynote speaker, author, and trainer who helps organizations build stronger leaders, healthier workplace cultures, and more engaged teams.