“Connection is why we’re here. It gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown
Our focus today on ATM is the eighth quality of a POSITIVE INFLUENCER using the acronym INFLUENCER, the eighth alphabet is N = Connects with people.
Connection is a vital part of the mentoring process, and it is critical in becoming a POSITIVE influence. Author, Speaker, and Optimist, Simon Sinek said, “The greatest joys in life come not from material possessions but from the relationships we build with others.”
Here are seven keys well-packaged in a simple acronym that is easy to remember and apply that will help you to effectively connect with people: THE LEG Curiosity. These vital ingredients are Trustworthiness, Humility, Encouragement, Listening, Effort, Generosity, and Curiosity.
[1]. Trustworthiness: If you must connect with people, trust is not an option. Author, Speaker, and American Psychologist, Amy Cuddy said, “TRUST IS THE CONDUIT FOR INFLUENCE; IT IS THE MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH IDEAS TRAVEL.” Trust must be earned and kept to both make a good and sustained connection with people.
[2]. Humility: There is a world of difference between pride and humility. Ezra Taft Benson said, “Pride is concerned with who is right. Humility is concerned with what is right.” Nothing destroys and disconnects us from people like pride. Monk, Poet and Author, Thomas Merton said, “Pride makes us artificial, and humility makes us real.” Nobody likes a phony and at the root of a phony is pride. Humility makes us real and relatable to others.
[3]. Encouragement: George Madison Adams said, “Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.” To be a POSITVE INFLUENCER, you must become the CEO, and Chief Encouragement Officer to the people you want to connect with, and you must do it with INTENTIONALITY because without intentionality our effort is rarely most productive.
