6 Strategies for Connecting with Dads’ Hearts

When serving dads and families, true leadership isn't about lecturing or instructing. It's about making genuine connections.

Drawing insights from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell, I’ll explore how you can transform group dynamics to support fathers.

Maxwell's “Law of Connection” principle is clear: "When it comes to working with people, the heart comes before the head." For fatherhood program facilitators, this means moving beyond delivering information to creating emotional resonance. You can't motivate fathers to change or grow until you connect with them on a deeper, more personal level.

Six strategies to create an authentic connection with your dads:

1. Know Yourself First – You must be confident in who you are and your unique contribution to the group. Self-awareness allows you to approach facilitation with genuine authenticity and openness.
   
   
2. Communicate with Sincerity – Dads can quickly detect insincerity. Avoid generic, cookie-cutter comments. Instead, offer genuine, specific praise and observations demonstrating active listening and engagement with each father’s unique journey.
   
   
3. Learn Their Stories – Connection starts with understanding. Learn fathers' names, backgrounds, and aspirations. Each dad has a unique story. By showing genuine interest, you create a safe space for vulnerability and growth.
   
   
4. Walk Your Talk – Credibility comes from living your message. When discussing parenting strategies, fatherhood challenges, or personal growth, ensure your actions align with your words. Fathers will be more likely to trust and engage when they see that alignment.
   
   
5. Shift the Focus Outward – A common mistake in facilitation is getting caught up in talking about yourself. In fatherhood programs like 24:7 Dad® from National Fatherhood Initiative®, the spotlight should be on the dads. By focusing on their experiences, challenges, and potential, you create an environment of mutual respect and support.
   
   
6. Believe in Dad’s Value – The most transformative aspect of connection is believing in the inherent value of each father. When fathers sense that you genuinely value them—not just as parents, but as individuals—they become more open, vulnerable, and willing to grow. Here are some ways you can value dads:  

• Listen more than you speak.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• Validate individual experiences.
• Create space for vulnerability.
• Demonstrate empathy consistently.

By embracing these six strategies, you can transform group experiences from mere meetings to powerful personal and collective growth moments. Remember, you're not just facilitating a group—you're nurturing fathers, supporting families, and potentially changing life trajectories, one authentic connection at a time.

Which of the six strategies resonates the most as you consider better connecting with dads?

Looking to improve your facilitation skills? Check out NFI’s Effective Facilitation Certificate™!.