As a professional in a sector dedicated to serving the community, you already know that relationships are the core of what makes great organizations. Your work in community housing is highly authentic. So, when you attend the one of the sector’s biggest events of the year, the 2025 ONPHA Conference, you’re not looking for superficial networking; you want meaningful connections that extend your support system.

ONPHA’s recent webinar, “Connecting with Heart: Turn Every Conversation into Impact” featured executive leadership coach Phalan Grof, PCC, who shared a proven, three-step framework for making authentic, impactful connections.

Your 3-Step Path to Impactful Connections
This model helps turn every interaction into an opportunity for genuine connection:

1. Lead with Heart 

Leadership is about showing up with intentionality and consistency; it’s how you show up, every day, to make an impact. This step grounds your presence to ensure you get the most out of your time.

  • Prioritize Presence: Set an out-of-office message and communicate your limited availability to manage the fear of what you’ll come back to.
  • Start Simple: Try to keep your head up and say hello to people you pass. This small act creates a space for someone to feel comfortable and interact.

2. Spark Connection

Move past “How’s it going?” by asking questions that solicit genuine perspective. 

  • Lead with Curiosity: If you are shy, the best thing you can do is to ask a question of someone else. This immediately takes the pressure off of you to perform.
  • Solicit Insight: Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the most impactful part of that last session for you?” or “What’s a bright spot or success you’ve had recently?”.
  • Listen Actively: Once they respond, paraphrase it back. There is something very special about making a human being feel heard and understood.

3. Build Impact 

The conversation only becomes transformational when you follow up.

  • Deepen your connection: link people, ideas, and opportunities.
    Did you hear a peer discuss a common challenge? Ask yourself, “Who else in my network could I introduce this person to that might be able to support or offer a perspective?”
  • Follow up and follow through: send a note, share a resource.
    Commit to sending a note or resource to help build trust. This is how you turn new relationships into partnerships that strengthen your work.
  • Ask for what you need: Support, tools, partnerships.
    Utilize your network by asking, “What support do I need right now, and who can I ask?”.

These straightforward yet powerful leadership skills are your key to building relationships that keep the heart of the sector beating. Look for these tips and tools in the ONPHA Conference event app to support your intentional connections.

Put them into action!

Practice these skills at Ontario’s premier housing event. Join close to 1,000 community housing providers and partners in the heart of Toronto from October 30 to November 1. The 2025 ONPHA Conference is your chance to grow your network, show support for your sector, and explore housing solutions together.

Learn more and register by October 9, 2025.

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