www.filipecarrera.com www.newgenerationleaders.com www.sofiesandell.com

9 Ways to Better Connect with People

Key points from the Hangout with Filipe Carrera, Peter Milligan, and Sofie Sandell on 22nd April 2016. 1) Don’t complete others’ sentences. We have two ears and one mouth so use them in that proportion. In order to listen more than you talk, restrain your enthusiasm for thinking that you know what others will say. Give feedback but never interrupt. People love people who genuinely listen to them. [FC] 2) On social media be open about who you are & what you are aspiring to do. Be personal in your updates and share your everyday stories. People get to know each other in forums like Facebook groups so contribute to discussions. [SS] 3) Always respect yourself and others as intrinsically equal. We are all unique as people but our differences are better to be seen as something interesting rather than “wrong” or “bad”. Different ideas, perspectives and experiences can contribute to the rich diversity that fuels curiosity and creativity. However, we build walls rather than connection when we choose to see others as intrinsically inferior or superior to us. [PM] 4) Don’t talk with people while looking at your phone, PC, or other gadgets. Human communication is 93% non-verbal. If you don’t focus on the people talking, you are losing most of the communication and can make terrible mistakes. [FC] 5) Write better emails when you first introduce yourself to someone. Include links to your Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, etc. That makes it easier for the other person to connect to you and they don’t have to rely on Google when looking for you. [SS] 6) Feel compassion for others as fellow human beings. Remember that, no matter how they might appear to be in the moment, the other person, like you, will have experienced joys and sorrows in life. Seeing your common humanity will aid connection. [PM] 7) Don’t just a book by the cover. Every human judges another person within seconds of first meeting them. That’s the subconscious at work. Be aware that your immediate judgements and assumptions can be inaccurate so make a conscious effort to listen to others before making your mind up. [FC] 8) Learn more about history, cultures & where certain “rituals” are coming from. It gives you more to talk about and there is more to be gained by being interested in, rather than judgemental of, other beliefs and cultural practices. [SS] 9) Smile, be light-hearted and find humour as a means to connect. When we constantly take life and ourselves too seriously, we become less attractive to others and less approachable. From time to time, remember to laugh at yourself and the absurdity of life. You will feel more relaxed and others will feel more relaxed in your presence. As Victor Borge once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” [PM] Follow us: @filipecarrera, @PeterMilligan and @Soffi_Propp The next Hangout is Monday 6th June 10am UK time, 11am CET. 9 Ways of Having Fun in Life Without Alcohol and Drugs Broadcasted live on Google Hangout. Sign up here: https://plus.google.com/events/cegrq958prinpeorpqmq9e57hkk