Welcome to Leadership Philadelphia's Connector Project. We continue to look for the region's connectors – the leaders next door. These people may or may not be in the public eye. However, they will have several traits in common: they are effective at getting things done and people (like you) trust them.

The first study identified effective leaders throughout the greater Philadelphia area, studied those leaders to find out how they lead so effectively. and developed a curriculum based on the study results. We achieved those goals and the connectors are mentoring the high school seniors in the first Connector Youth Program. That program was created in partnership with the Philadelphia Youth Network and is run by that organization.

The study uses software developed by NetForm to identify 101 of the most connected leaders. A team of experts worked to determine specifically what they do that can be taught. The connectors were profiled in the media. We are doing the second round of this project to identify the next generation of connectors. We will study the ways that they are similar to and different from those on the first list and use what we learn to update the youth curriculum. We will bring together these trusted young leaders to further strengthen their connections and to increase the likelihood that they will stay in the region.

We invite you to answer a short, seven-question web survey to identify the next generation connectors. Please forward this to other leaders in the area for their participation.

Area leaders such as Pat Coulter, President and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia; Phil Goldsmith, former Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia; Jane Golden, Director of The Mural Arts Program; and David Thornburgh from Econsult have endorsed this civic project enthusiastically. Since the original study, the connector language has found its ways into conversations and articles about local leadership.

Click here to participate in the study NOW.