“Connecting can make you or break you.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. (p.2). HarpersCollins Leadership Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

It is imperative in life to know how to connect with people.  It really is!

John says, “People cannot succeed in life without communicating effectively. It’s not enough just to work hard. It’s not enough to do a great job. To be successful, you need to learn how to really communicate with others.

“Have you ever gotten frustrated while making a presentation because people just weren’t getting it? Have you ever wanted your boss to understand how much value you add to the company so you could get a well-earned raise or promotion? If you have children, have you wanted them to listen so you could help them make good choices? Have you wanted to improve your relationship with a friend or make a positive impact on your community? If you can’t find a way to communicate effectively, you won’t be able to reach your potential, you won’t succeed in the way you desire, and you’ll be forever frustrated.”

He goes on, “I am convinced more than ever that good communication and leadership are all about connecting. If you can connect with others at every level—one-on-one, in groups, and with an audience—your relationships are stronger, your sense of community improves, your ability to create teamwork increases, your influence increases, and your productivity skyrockets.

“What do I mean when I say ‘connect’? Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them. Why is that important? Because the ability to communicate and connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your potential. To be successful, you must work with others. And to do that at your absolute best, you must learn to connect.”

He then says, “How much healthier would your relationships be if you excelled at connecting? How would your marriage and family life improve? How much happier would your relationships with friends be? How much better would you be at getting along with your neighbors if you were able to connect with them?”

A great place to start is connecting with God and through that, He will help you see others in a new light.  So, let’s become students and doers at becoming better connectors.  You see the need, don’t you?

Yes, yes!