Do you communicate with others? I know I do. I talk on the phone, send e-mail, blast off tweets, update Facebook, and reply to comments on this blog. All forms of communication.
But do I truly connect?
Do I really turn these conversations into meaningful experiences or are they like passing comments in the hall… how ya doin’… fine…
I’ve been reading a great book by John Maxwell, entitled “Everyone communicates, few connect.” This book has some eye opening statistics and revolves around a simple principle…
“Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.”
He goes on to say…
“The ability to communicate and connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your potential. To be successful, you must work with others. To do that at your absolute best, you must learn to connect.”
In my experience, connecting does not come naturally. It’s something that you need to learn and fine tune. This is especially true in leadership. The best leaders care about people as well as profits. They view their subordinates optimistically and seek their advice. Connectors are powerful listeners.
Compare this to leaders that don’t connect. They are preoccupied with their own security, and show a basic distrust of their subordinates. They don’t seek advice, and live in their own lonely world. They avoid communication and instead rely on a policy or procedures manual to handle discipline.
Building connections is vital in business, sales, and especially personal relationships. Learning how to connect takes time and practice. It begins with knowing what connecting is all about.
Making True Connections
John lists five connecting principles in his book…
Connecting…
1. Increases Your Influence in Every Situation
2. Is All About Others
3. Goes Beyond Words
4. Always Requires Energy
5. Is More Skill Than Natural Talent
Tomorrow we’ll take a look at these principles and see how we can apply them on our job, with our friends, and with our family. We’ll attempt to answer some of those nagging questions that our acquaintances may ask…
* Do you care for me?
* Can you help me?
* Can I trust you?
Question: What do you think the secret of making true connections is?