As John Maxwell points out in his book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, communication is just about sharing information, but true connection is what builds relationships, trust, and influence. To make a real impact, leaders need to move beyond just communicating and focus on forming meaningful connections.
The main difference between communicating and connecting is in the depth of the interaction. Communication is more about getting your point across – in a sense, it’s transactional. You share facts or information, but it’s usually a one-way exchange. While communication is important, it doesn’t always lead to real understanding or lasting influence.
But if you think about it connecting is transformational. Connecting with someone is much more powerful than simply communicating with them. It goes deeper, creating an emotional bond, building trust, and creating a mutual understanding. When you connect, people feel valued, and this naturally leads to stronger relationships and greater influence.
When you’re just communicating, you’re sharing information, and while people might understand your message, it may not inspire or stick with them. But when you truly connect, the conversation becomes more personal and engaging. People feel heard and appreciated, which can lead to collaboration, trust, and positive change. Influence comes from making people feel valued, not just informed.
So, how do you make the shift from simply communicating to genuinely connecting? Start by focusing on others, not just your message. Listen to what they really need and respond in a way that speaks to their concerns. Be authentic – people connect with those who are real and open, not just polished speakers. Also, find common ground. When people see shared values or experiences, they’re more likely to engage on a deeper level.
Emotional intelligence also plays a big part in building connections. It’s not just about the words you use, but how you make people feel. Pay attention to body language, tone, and emotions during your interactions. People might forget what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
By focusing on connection, you can create stronger relationships and inspire meaningful collaboration. So next time you're engaging with others, ask yourself: are you just communicating, or are you truly connecting?
Dr. Angie Schierer is an accomplished C-suite executive consultant specializing in rural healthcare administration. With a robust background in operations, quality, process improvement, and team development, she thrives on tackling new challenges and leading diverse teams through transformational growth and innovative thinking.
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