As John C. Maxwell says in his book, "Everyone Communicates Few Connect", the key to success in life and leadership is connection. If you can connect with people, you will have a genuine influence on the world. People will be happier and more productive. Teams will be stronger. Communities will be better places to live.

We all like to be heard. We all like to feel that we've been considered. That's what connection is all about. It's about identifying with people and relating to them in a way that makes them feel valued.

"When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other." – Margaret Wheatley

Forming Human Connections

In today's world of information overload and busy people, we could all work harder at forming basic human connections. It's the fabric of our society.

Recently, Jon had an appointment with an eye specialist. He needed to talk to several people and the visit took a while, but we enjoyed ourselves so much the time passed easily. Afterwards, I asked myself what was different about this clinic. Visits to a medical clinic are always important, but they are not always enjoyable.

The answer is simple: connection. The people at the clinic connected to their patients. When I thought back on the experience, I could see that it followed the three steps for connecting explained by John Maxwell:

1. Give the person your complete attention.
2. Ask questions and listen carefully to what is said.
3. Find a way to connect emotionally.

The minute he walked into the clinic, Jon was greeted by the receptionist. Throughout his visit, staff gave him their full attention. They asked questions and listened carefully to what he said. They even found a way to make an emotional connection. At one point, Jon needed to go to different area of the clinic. When he asked if his wife could come along, the eye specialist didn't just say yes. She linked her arm in his and brought him out to the waiting area. Then she linked her other arm in mine and took us both to where Jon needed to be. She could have simply told us where we needed to go. Instead, she connected.

Our whole day was positive because staff at the eye clinic took the time to connect with us as people. Moments like this can happen many times in any person's day. Opportunities to connect bring people together in a spirit of good will. What could be more important? Are you ready to make meaningful connections with the people in your life?

As John Maxwell says, "Never underestimate the power of connection and the impact you can make simply by working to create an experience others can enjoy."

Show That You Care

Connection is based on trust and trust comes from behaviour. If you want to connect with others, you need to show them that you care by how you behave. Prove that you want to help, that you are ready to serve, and that you believe in the power of your organization. This will help people connect with you. As John Maxwell says, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Call to Action:

1. How many times have you connected in a meaningful way today?
2. See how many times you can form a meaningful connection tomorrow. Use the three steps in this blog.
3. Keep practising. Connecting is a muscle. It needs to be used to remain strong.

It starts with you. You've got this!

Your friends,

UpCloseTeam