The black chauffeured BMW didn’t stop at the Kremlin.  That was his first cause for concern.  It would not be his last.

The driver continued past the Kremlin to the outskirts of town.  They proceeded along a lonely road into the forest.  This was his second cause for concern.  He wondered if he was being taken to a secret place in the forest from where he would never return.

They eventually came upon an incredibly imposing compound in the midst of the forest.  Massive walls surrounded this historic building with snipers standing guard on the tops of the walls.  He was escorted out of the car with a pistol held to his forehead.   Immediately upon exiting the car he noticed multiple laser sights glistening on his chest.

At this point he had lost count of his concerns.  Maybe this had not been a good decision…

This iconic fortress was where the documents were signed to break up the USSR.  It was now the home of Vladimir Putin.

He had come to simply photograph this global leadership icon.  He had expected some degree of pomp and power, but he had not anticipated any of this.

He was ushered, heavily guarded, into Putin’s residence and led into the grand room in which he would photograph this powerful world leader.  This was not his first rodeo when it came to photographing world leaders.  He had done it dozens of times before.  This was, however, his first encounter with Putin.

After he had set up his equipment he began to hear the distant approach of what sounded like a small army.  The door burst open and in spilled about 20 body guards, interpreters, assistants and handlers of all kinds.  Then, in walked Vladimir Putin – one of the world’s most famous, or perhaps ‘infamous’ leaders.

He was hurriedly told he had 8 minutes to take the photographs.  Being a master photographer, adept and skilled at working with people of power, he attempted to make a connection with his subject.  He wanted to engage Putin as a human being, as a man.

“It is a great honor for me to be here and take your photograph Mr. Putin.  I wonder if I could ask you a question?” he inquired.

His comment and question were translated to Putin, who nodded.

“I am a fan of the Beatles – I wonder, do you like the Beatles?”

Putin made a simple gesture and the room quickly emptied.  It was now the photographer alone with his subject.

Putin walked up to him, and in perfect English said, “I love the Beatles!”

“Is your favourite song, ‘Back in the USSR?” the photographer asked cheekily.

“No, ‘Yesterday’”, he said with a grin as if to hint at a double meaning.

This connection over the Beatles led a fabulous photoshoot – one of his most memorable.  And yes, he obviously lived to tell the tale.

When I heard this story recently from the famous photographer Platon, amongst dozens of other stories about other people of power, I was overwhelmed by one aspect of this man’s many amazing talents and attributes.  He has an incredible ability to connect with the humanity of his subjects.

It was his simple question that changed everything with Putin.  However, it wasn’t about the question: the question was simply a tool, a mechanism to connect with the man.  It was an attempt to push past all the clutter and create a connection.  This is what makes Platon such an amazing photographer: his ability to capture the humanity of the people he photographs.

As leaders we need to create true connections with the people we lead.  How do you use questions to connect with the humanity of the people you lead?  Do you?  Do you even make an attempt to connect with the ‘hearts’ of your people?  If you want to lead an engaged workforce that synergistically creates industry leading products or services you must engage with the humanity/hearts of your people.

If a simple question about the love of music can turn the heart of one of the most powerful leaders in the world, imagine how the questions you ask your people can create deep connection with them…