This statement is so true that it is almost obvious. So often people talk at cross purposes, don’t listen to others, and are only waiting for a gap in order to state their point of view.

In Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, John Maxwell shows leaders how to get the message across by building a bridge to others. He points out that cultivating relationships is every bit as important to effective communication as crafting the message. The insightful principles he shares are critical to understand if you desire to forge a lasting bond with those around you. Whether applied in private conversations or public speeches, John’s connecting practices will give you the edge as a leader.

When leaders connect with their people, the results are magical. Connection inspires trust, motivates hard work, and generates positive momentum. Learning to build rapport with others at heart level yields benefits, not only at work but in every area of life.

Question:
When you meet someone new, how do you try to connect with him or her? What are the first questions you usually ask to learn more about the person?

As a communicator, nothing can happen through you until it happens in you.

There is no substitute for personal experience when we want to connect with people’s hearts. If you know something without having lived it, your audience experiences a credibility gap. If you’ve done something but don’t know it well enough to explain it, your audience experiences frustration. You have to bring both together to connect consistently. Know your subject and know yourself. Whatever is inside of you, whether positive or negative, will eventually come out when you communicate to others. You have to internalize your message before asking others to accept it.

Question:

Have you ever met a person who seemed phony or fake? Why did you get that feeling about him or her?

When attempting to bridge a communication gap, don’t start the process by giving your
opinions. Remember that it’s not about you. Instead, move to where the other person is and try to see the world from their perspective. Willingness to see from another person’s point of view is the secret of finding common ground.

Question:

Thinking about your best friendship, what commonalities brought your friend and you together? How does the attempt to see from another person’s perspective reduce conflicts?

Keeping the message sweet, simple and sincere increases listener attention and improves the communication. As a teacher, trainer or speaker, don’t try to impress your audience by bombarding it with complex information and big words. The art of good educators is taking something complicated and making it simple; not taking something simple and making it complicated.

Question:

When have you listened to someone smart, perhaps a professor or consultant, who spoke in a language that was too complex to understand? Which teacher taught you the most in high school or college? How did he or she make it simple for you to learn?

If you want to connect with another person, you have to be interesting. People tune out when they begin to feel bored. Learn about your listeners. Step into their world and communicate in a way that addresses their interests. Also, use illustrations and imagery to get your point across. Stories have a much longer shelf life than abstract ideas.

Question:

What is the most memorable presentation you’ve ever heard? What made it stick in your mind? What does it mean for a communicator to “take responsibility” for his or her listeners?

Leaders set the tone in an organization by how they approach their work and how they approach their people. Through their actions, they communicate their character, credibility, and convictions. People need to be convinced of the passion of their leader before they will put passion into their work.

Question:

How does a leader communicate expectations to those he or she leads?

Connectors live what they communicate. Credible communicators walk the talk. They align their values and actions. Over time, people note their consistent integrity and recognize their character. In turn, a respectable reputation gives the communicator credibility and affords him or her the opportunity to add value to others.

Question:

When you made a mistake how did you try to rectify your error? How do you connect with yourself during the workweek? How does a leader build trust? What are the benefits of gaining trust with people?

The above questions are just a few begging for answers and deeper analysis. This program makes leadership easier, quicker and more efficient, reduces the chance of is understanding, inspires people, and is a recommended addition to our other programs. It is also an excellent stand-alone resource for anyone wanting to improve in this area.