Everyone Communicates, Few Connect; Blog 4
Even if you don't care for NBA basketball stick with me. I asked a middle schooler last week what he liked to do and he said, "basketball". So, I asked him for his favorite player, expecting an answer like LeBron James, Steph Curry, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard or newcomer, Giannis Antetokounmpo, "the Greek Freak". But, instead he said to my surprise: Micheal Jordan. The young man wasn't even born when M.J. played his last game! In conversations about who is the greatest of all time, "the G.O.A.T", Michael is definitely in the conversation, and usually your answer depends on what generation you grew up in.
Michael Jordan put out this impactful commercial a few years after he stopped playing. At the conclusion of the commercial Michael says, "maybe I mislead you that it was all about talent and not about hard work." This leads us to our final blog and final checker in the series on connecting with others.
Checker Four: Connecting is more skill than natural talent
So, Michael developed the skill to play basketball. Sure, he was given some God-given athletic ability but, it was the hard work he did over a long period of time developing the talent that made him one of the best ever. You have the God-given ability to connect with people. Can you be a better connecter? Yes, if you want to be.
There may be no single thing more important in our efforts to achieve meaningful work and fulfilling relationships than to learn to practice the art of communication. Max De Pree
To review the four checkers of connecting they are:
Connecting Is All About Others
Connecting Goes Way Beyond Words
Connecting Always Requires Energy
Connecting Is More Skill Than Natural Talent
*If you would like to schedule a workshop to learn more about becoming a better connecter with others I would love to talk with you.
Here's to connecting better with others,
Troy Vande Lune
Big Rock Leader
troyvandelune@gmail.com