We rely on communication to connect with others. This basic need to form, grow and sustain relationships and to belong to a group, team or family, is universal. Human connection has tangible benefits including a feeling of belonging, purpose, happiness, self-worth and confidence. We are social creatures who crave human interaction and, now more than ever, we all need real connection, dependable emotional support, and a feeling of belonging.
Communication is also essential to leadership. Presidential Leadership Scholars Director, Mike Hemphill, emphasized, “Leadership isn’t something you do to someone else. It’s about connecting with others.” And the primary way in which we connect with others is through connected communication.
There are four tenets of connected communication that are essential.
First, truly connected communication must be founded in a deep curiosity about and empathy for others. It’s hard to communicate with people if you haven’t listened to them. To be effective, this can’t just be a technique. It must be a core belief and value.
Once founded on empathy and curiosity, connected communication is based on a set of shared core values. Successful leaders seek out diverse perspectives and try to unify people around common values, experiences and themes.
Common values and experiences must be communicated with a mix of variety and consistency. Consistency is foundational to good communication but becomes dry and forgettable without variety.
Finally, great connected communication must be crafted, honed, and practiced over time. Great communicators take feedback, commit to practice and improve.
Consider these four tenants when communicating with peers in order to form more meaningful relationships, foster existing ones or inspire as a leader.
Contact us to learn how Colloqui can help your business apply interactivity to more meaningfully connect with your audience.
The Simple Power of Connected Communication was initially published on April 30, 2018 by Forbes.
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