Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

What the most effective people do differently

The essence of this book is the message that although not everyone is a 'social' person, we can all learn to connect with others to communicate and lead better.

It’s not about trying to be someone you’re not. On the contrary, it's crucial to be yourself. Connecting is a skill which everyone can learn and helps to achieve strategic objectives such as inspiring others, aligning actions with commitments, enhancing visibility and renewing energy sources.

The 5 connecting principles

Maxwell says that there are five foundational principles for understanding how to become a Connector:

• Connecting increases your influence in every situation
• Connecting is not about you, it's about the other person or people
• Connecting goes beyond words to include vision, intellect & emotion as well
• Connecting always requires energy; you have to be intentional
• Connecting is more skill than natural talent - it has to be worked on

Five core skills for connecting

Learning to connect with people can change your life, claims Maxwell. He identifies the following key practices that anyone can start to do to connect more effectively:

1. Always find some common ground - see things through others' eyes
2. Work hard to keep things simple, including the language you use
3. Create an experience everyone can genuinely enjoy
4. Inspire others - the true test of inspiration is their taking action
5. Have integrity and demonstrate trustworthiness through walking your talk

"Three words are essential to connect with others:
(1) brevity, (2) levity, and (3) repetition.
Let me say that again!"