How to become better at making connections

You understand now that the key to success in life and business is to make emotional connections with those around you. But you may not be a natural at it, and that’s fine. So how do you do it?

The first step toward making better connections is to give people attention. It may sound small, but think about it. How often are you having a conversation with someone when they’re interrupted by a text or email? We’re all guilty of this. But it’s rude, and more than just a temporary lapse in attention. It’s indicative of a larger problem these days: We don’t pay as much attention to people in front of us as we do to those on our phones.

Try this approach: Next time someone comes to speak with you at work, give them your complete attention. Don’t let texts or emails that can always wait five minutes distract you. With more of our interactions moving to digital platforms, the actual time spent with others face to face has continued to decline. That makes it all the more valuable, and all the more important, for you to prioritize it when the time comes.

This relates nicely to another tactic you might employ: Be more available in general. 

For most of us who lead organizations or businesses, time is critical. There isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that needs doing, yet we make it happen somehow. But remember this: So do the people working with and for you. They all play different roles in the organization; it takes everyone working together for the trains to run on time. Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day, be available to those around you. It’s not going to be easy for you to build a relationship with the team you claim to value if you don’t value spending time around them. 

Of course, there are boundaries, and people have to respect you as a leader. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from interacting with everyone in your organization, and often.

Finally, lead by example. It’s one thing to tell everyone in your office to make emotional connections, to be present in all interactions and to focus on other humans instead of on our devices. But it’s another thing entirely for you, as the leader, to set that example. 

Throughout this process, keep in mind that things won’t just change overnight. It’s going to take a sustained effort, by all involved, to make the change needed to propel your business or organization to the next level. But together, it’s possible. And by building an emotional connection, all of the other challenges you face will be made that much easier as a result of the bond you create. 

jeff

jeff

Leave a Replay

Click here to buy a copy of my new book, Unleashing Your Superpower

Why persuasion communication if the only force you will ever need. 

VBA Terms and Conditions

I hereby grant to Jeff Tippett Enterprises, LLC (Victories By Association podcast) their subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, successors, and assigns the right and permission to record, use, publish, stream live, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute any audio or video interview with me. Such right and permission includes, but is not limited to, my name, recorded voice or video, photograph or likeness, biographical information, handouts or any material based upon or derived therefrom.

I understand that the Victories By Association podcast may, at its sole discretion, produce presentations or publications based in whole or in part upon audio interview (or any portions thereof) and/or a video or audio recordings or photographs of said interview, and that such media or transcripts may appear in print, online, or in any manner or media, including but not limited to promoting the podcast or streaming audio program.

I have no right of approval, no claim for compensation, and no claim (including, without limitation, claims based upon invasion of privacy, defamation, or right of publicity) arising out of or in connection with, any use, alteration, or use in any composite form hereunder.

I hereby warrant and represent that I have the right to enter into this agreement and to grant the rights granted to Victories By Association podcast herein. I agree that during the course of the interview I have not violated the rights of any third parties, including but not limited to copyrights, rights of privacy, trade secrets, and non-disclosure agreements, and that in the event of any breach of any of these warranties, that I will defend and hold the Victories By Association podcast harmless against any such claims.

This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.