Excellence, Friendship

Focus on Relationships

The last few years have been … well, I’ll guess the best description is full. Busyness with work and school. Time for dedicated focus. And grandbabies!

A key connection focus is relationships. We all need them because we were not created to live in isolation. We were created to connect with people and build relationships.

As an introvert, making and building relationships is not always easy. Yet, in my various roles, I must intentionally get out of my comfort zone and make connections. Why? Because we need other people. Because other people need us. Simply, we are good for each other. It just takes intentionality to find out how.

So, how do we intentionally connect? If you notice someone sitting alone in the break room at work, ask if you can join them. Start a conversation. Ask them a question. (Warning: If you ask about their grandbabies, they may not stop talking.) Then, if you do get an opportunity to speak, share a funny story about your babies. Just engage and purposefully listen. You may discover common interests and build a rich relationship.

What did you just do? You noticed them. You saw them as a human being. You took the time to smile and connect. This is making a connection. Plus, you may not realize how much that time you intentionally took to interact meant to them. The next time you see them, they may start the conversation.

Connections Challenge: Notice the people with whom you come in contact this week. Take the initiative and make a connection. You will be glad you did.

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