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Today's workplace is a microcosm of our
ever more diverse society, a patchwork quilt of different
cultures, races, religions, and perspectives. It's no secret
that the key to a vibrant and productive environment is
communication with your colleagues, but how do you connect
with someone with whom you have little in common?
Actually, you share much more with others
than you may think, and the five core principles explored
in The Art of Connecting will help you identify that
common ground.
First and foremost, there is always a bridge,
say authors Raines and Ewing. "While others walk away,
polarized, and give up on making a connection, masterful
connectors hang in there because they believe that, if they
just persevere, they can certainly find common ground."
Curiosity, too, is key. When you are curious
about something or someone, your attention is directed outward,
and you are much more likely to identify the bridge.
Conversely, what you assume is what you
get. If you assume you already know everything you can know
or need to know about a person or situation, your limited
expectations are all that will come to pass.
Cultural, ethnic, and racial categorizations
are, at best, broad strokes, and in fact have the potential
to exacerbate differences in a society where every individual
is a culture. Relying on traditional identifiers only leads
back to assumptions and generalizations and prevents you
from learning all the complexities that make each person
unique. Opportunities to connect through those more subtle
qualities or experiences are lost.
Finally, when you do reach out, do so with
no strings attached. Remember that although you are intent
on communication, those you are trying to reach can't be
expected to jump on board immediately. Still, it's important
to lay the groundwork now for a successful relationship
later.
The Art of Connecting is filled with
real-life examples of people handling potentially awkward
or difficult relationships in everyday situations. There
are also intriguing and uplifting stories of truly masterful
communicators practicing their craft, in environments ranging
from corporate boardrooms to television studios to the mountains
of Lesotho in Africa. The authors explain how these expert
connectors effortlessly shift among three distinct perspectives
("me," "you," and "them")
to arrive at a clear and well-rounded view of every potential
interaction.
As our workplaces and communities become
more diverse in more ways, it's more important than ever
to focus not on what sets us apart, but on what can bring
us together. Packed with refreshing perspectives and clear,
heartening examples, The Art of Connecting shows
you how.
Claire Raines is a leading expert on
generations in the workplace and is the author or coauthor
of five previous books on the topic, including Generations
at Work. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
Lara Ewing consults to senior leaders
and multinational, multicultural executive teams. She has
worked with such clients as American Express Bank, Baptist
Hospital Systems, Citicorp, Diner's Club, and Hewlett-Packard.
She lives in Indian Hills, Colorado.
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