Category Archives: Ways to Connect

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Expect the Best of People

Frances Hesselbein

#90 Expect the Best of People

Frances Hesselbein, the amazing woman who led the turnaround of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and whom we wrote about in Fired Up or Burned Out, once told me that her mindset was to always expect the best in others. A mindset or attitude of expecting the best in others helps you connect with them.

Byron Wien, respected market analyst and vice chairman of Blackstone, echoed the sentiment in a blog post on lessons he learned throughout his career. 

“When you meet someone new, treat that person as a friend. Assume he or she is a winner and will become a positive force in your life. Most people wait for others to prove their value. Give them the benefit of the doubt from the start. Occasionally you will be disappointed, but your network will broaden rapidly if you follow this path.”

This is the ninetieth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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Get a Mentor or Coach to Help You Connect

A football coach attempts to console one of his players in the locker room.

#89 Get a Mentor or Coach

No one becomes great without mentoring and coaching. We all have blind spots – things we do that are disconnecting – and we need coaches and mentors to help us see our blind spots then advise, encourage and hold us accountable so that we grow to become Intentional Connectors.

This is the eighty-ninth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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To Connect, Be Responsive

Hand holding phone in conference room

#88 Be Responsive

Return emails and phone calls promptly and within 24 hours. Doing so demonstrates respect and helps keep you connected.

While this practice is important for all employees, it is particularly important when communicating with remote employees who may not always receive the same level of attention as employees located on site. Remote employees should likewise return messages promptly to foster connection with their colleagues.

This is the eighty-eighth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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Help Your Team Connect With a Connection Café

Two Coffee Cups for Connection Cafe

#87 Create a Connection Café

For those who would like to participate, put cards with all the names of participating team members in a hat and have everyone draw one card. The individual drawing the card must contact the person whose name is on the card and schedule a lunch or coffee with him/her.

This is the eighty-seventh post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Chichacha. 

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After Knowledge Flow Sessions, Follow Up in Writing

Hand and Computer

#86 Follow Up in Writing

After a Group or Individual Knowledge Flow Session, follow up in writing to summarize what you heard, what actions are necessary, who is responsible for each action and when each action should be completed. Great communication shows people you value them and also encourages further sharing of information and ideas.

This is the eighty-sixth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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Facilitate Connection with a “Getting Connected in Our Community” Guide

Smiling Group of Professionals

#85 Create a “Getting Connected in Our Community” Guide

Facilitate connection by providing the members of your community with a directory of community members that includes names, photos, contact information and other information that identifies responsibilities, strengths, expertise and interests outside of work. The directory could be online or in print.

This is the eighty-fifth post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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A Simple Tip to Connect in Introductions

Name Badge

#83 Use First Names Three Times

When meeting someone for the first time, a simple practice to help you remember his/her first name is to use it three times early in the conversation.

This is the eighty-third post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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Favor Guidelines Over Rules and Controls

Boss Yelling at Employees

#82 Favor Guidelines Over Rules and Controls

Minimize excessive rules and controls. Being controlled feels disrespectful and impedes our ability to grow. Establish guidelines instead and make people know that you are available if they have questions or would like you to be a sounding board.

This is the eighty-second post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.

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Begin Meetings on a Positive Note

Excited Business Woman

#81 Begin Meetings on a Positive Note

Research has found that groups generate more potential solutions when meetings begin with positive comments. Rather than giving into the temptation to begin the meeting with a complaint, be the person who starts the meeting out with a positive comment. With that one simple action, you can contribute to a productive and positive experience for everyone.

This is the eighty-first post in our series entitled “100 Ways to Connect.” The series highlights language, attitudes and behaviors that help you connect with others. Although the language, attitudes and behaviors focus on application in the workplace, you will see that they also apply to your relationships at home and in the community.