Connection & Transparency are the Best Policy
Whether a leader, manager, or employee, communications are your essential means of interacting with associates and customers. John Maxwell wrote a great book in 2010 entitled, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect,” and I have used this book many times for Mastermind group discussions and recommend it whenever I mentor or coach anyone.
Much of the communications being done today are surface level with little connection between the participants and getting to the deeper level of communications is critical for success internally and externally.
How do you know when you are connecting? John provides some insights here:
1. People will go the extra mile when working with you
2. People will be appreciative of whatever you do for them without being prompted
3. People will be more open and trusting when talking with you
4. People will be more frequent in their discussions with you
5. People will enjoy what they are doing more
6. People will be more engaged emotionally and physically
7. People will be energized when they are together with you
8. People will realize there is a greater synergy when they work with you
9. People will be more accepting without reservation
It will help to discern when you are meeting with people you are connecting with because this will ensure that your communications are received and understood. When you have connected with people, a win-win solution can be found. The influence will be felt and reacted to positively.
“It’s not enough to work hard. It’s not enough to do a great job. To be successful, you need to learn how to communicate with others.” — John Maxwell
“Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.” — John Maxwell
Being transparent makes communications honest, concise, and straightforward. Your ability to connect begins with understanding the value of the people you work with and live with.
Takeaway: Strive to communicate and connect in all your relationships. Let them feel that you are listening and responding to their need so that they will establish trust. Never manipulate.
Leadership Question: How do you, as a leader, empower everyone in the organization to be open, transparent, and connecting? How do we avoid focusing on secrecy and falsehoods?
