They said he should be fired. They said he didn’t connect with his players. They said he was an archaic dinosaur whose old school domineering coaching methods didn't work anymore with today’s younger players. They said he was as warm as a block of ice.

But then something happened.

Tom Coughlin, the head coach of the New York Giants decided to change and as a result his team won the Super Bowl.

How did he do it? He made a bigger effort to connect with his players on a personal level. He made it a priority to let his players know he was not just a coach but a human being. He listened to their concerns. He even took his team bowling during the pre-season. He also created a leadership council of veteran players that would create better communication between the coaching staff and the players. Tom Coughlin lightened up and as a result so did the team.

Tom Coughlin's metamorphosis and the Giant's success underscores the importance of connecting with others and the impact it has on individual and team success. We may live in a technology driven world but the keys to success are our ability to connect with PEOPLE and create strong bonds and meaningful RELATIONSHIPS.

Whether you are in management, sales or customer service to succeed you must be able to connect with your employees, team and customers on a personal level.

You must be real, sincere, authentic and connect emotionally with others. If you are in sales make an effort to get to know your customers and make it a point to be interested rather than interesting. If you are in management make an effort to get to know your employees. Make time for them. Communicate with them. Listen to them. Let them know you care. Share your values as a leader. Explain to your team why you lead the way you lead. Be transparent and let them see you as a real person. Lighten up.

You can still be a strong leader and a human being at the same time. You can still hold your team accountable and be emotionally connected to them. In fact if you are emotionally connected to them they work harder and longer and become more loyal to you. Just ask Tom Coughlin. His transformation wasn’t the only reason why the Giants won the Super Bowl. Eli Manning still had to make miraculous throws and the Giants defensive line still had to attack Tom Brady with reckless abandon. But as many of the Giant’s players stated, Tom Coughlin’s improved relationship with them inspired them to play harder for him and fight for the team. It brought the team closer together and created an emotional bond that is necessary for true success.

And if Tom Coughlin can change at the age of 61 then so can we. Ask yourself who you need to connect with to enhance your team’s success? What action can you take today that will improve your relationship with your customers. What do you need to do to lighten up?