The New Currency!
The new currency is... relationships!
A significant part of our well being is the degree of connectedness we have with others. Those relationships outside of our immediate families, play a big role in our growth and happiness. Authentic, real and meaningful relationships are the new currency. In a world where we rely so heavily on digital communication, real and authentic connections are more important now than ever before. That precious face to face time with people is powerful! In those face to face moments the potential is there to connect with someone and communicate with love, compassion and kindness - a common language that we all understand. One of my favourite books of all time, and one that has been something of a Leadership manual to me in my role at work, is Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends & Influence People'. In his book Carnegie says 'Hardwired into all of us is the desire for honest communication - to understand and to be understood. Beyond than, for authentic connection - to be known , accepted, and valued.' With so much of our communication online, I sometimes wonder if we are at risk of 'disconnecting' from each other, especially given that authentic connection is vital for us.
Here are some of my thoughts on the subject ... See everyone you meet as an opportunity to learn and grow from. Listen in! Listening is the most important component of any relationship. People like to feel heard. Keep Maya Angelou's famous quote at the forefront of your mind...
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' That's a tricky one to achieve online!