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This Month's Article ~

"A story is the shortest distance between people."
~ Pat Speight

The Most Powerful Tool
to Create Connection

by Barb Langlois

Have you ever noticed how some people are really good at connecting and engaging with others? Last week, I saw Melissa Etheridge in concert. She really captured my attention. It took me a while to realize how she did it (I know your thinking: “You were at her concert, you fool. Of course she captured your attention.” But I’m not talking about her music. Yes, the concert was fantastic but for me, the most engaging point was when she told... a personal story. Here’s what she shared:

Prior to playing at the “Red Robinson Theater” in Coquitlam, she had 2 days off. She went to stay with friends, who had rented a house, at Mill Bay in Victoria. She decided to walk down to the beach because she’s drawn to water. As she was walking down the path to the water, she crossed over a dusty road where a truck was parked with two older men in it. She kept walking until she heard one of the men yell, in a gruff voice: “hey, what do you think you’re doing?”M.E.: “just walking down to the water.”

Men: “don’t you know its private property?”

M.E.: “Yeah, sorry. I’m staying with my friends up the hill and I just wanted to walk to the water.”

She then turned and began walking along the road. The truck pulled up behind her. One man leaned out the window and said, “hey, do you like crab?”

M.E.: “ahh, sure, Yes I like crab.”

One man turned to the other man and said “have you got the crab?”

“No, I don’t have the crab. I thought you had the crab.”

“No, I don’t have the crab. You left it on the beach. Go get the crab.”

So, one man goes down to the beach to get the crab and Melissa talks to the other man (she described him as the man with more teeth). “What’s your name?” “Reid.” “What do you do, Reid?” “I’m retired and visiting my friend Rodney. What’s your name?” “Melissa.” “What do you do, Melissa?” “Well, ahh, I’m a singer. I’m . . . Melissa Etheridge.” “No, come on.” “Yeah, really. I’m Melissa Etheridge.”

Rodney comes back with the crab. Reid says: “Rodney, this is Melissa Etheridge. Can you believe it? Whadaya say, we give her a deal?” Rodney says: “We can do better than that. We’ll cook her the crab.”

So they all head down to Rodney’s place. Rodney’s wife was there and they cooked the crab in a big open pot, outside. Melissa said, “That was the best crab I ever had with the nicest people in the world. I invited them to the show but they didn’t want to come. They think Vancouver is some kinda sin city!”

Talk about connection. One simple story but it made her “real.” By sharing her story, she made her concert even better. It’s the power of a personal story.

When we’re with friends, what do we do? We tell stories. Stories engage and connect people. It is one of the most powerful ways of communicating.

I’m willing to guarantee the leaders you likely feel most connected to, are those who are willing to share a personal story or two with you. Effective leaders use stories to connect and engage with colleagues, employees, and clients. On the other hand, if you are a connected leader, I’m willing to bet, you share your own personal stories. Stories make people real and create connection.

Is there someone or a group of people you are struggling to connect with? Are there patients who could benefit from a little engagement? Is there a colleague who you would like to engage? Try sharing a quick, story. I think you’ll be amazed at the connection. It’s the only thing that matters – our connection to other people.

Helping You Step Out of the Ordinary,

Barb's Signature

Barb Langlois RN BSN MSN
Speaker and Seminar Leader
(1) 604.819.1888
www.BarbLanglois.com

e-Mail me at: barb@barblanglois.com

P.S. I’m in the process of updating my website. Let me know what you think

P.P.S. I’m being published in the October issue of “Alive” magazine AND they are featuring me as a contributing author. The magazine is free and you can pick up a copy at most health food stores, Whole Foods and possibly Save-on-Foods. It should be out toward the end of September.

~ MOST RECENT ARTICLE ~

8/31/10 ~ "The Most Powerful Tool to Create Connection"

~ ARCHIVES ~

7/29/10 ~ "A Lesson from the Grind"

6/22/10 ~ "Are You a 'What Iffer?'"

5/26/10 ~ "It's Yours, Not Mine"

4/28/10 ~ "Homeless Perspective"

3/2/10 ~ "Speaking of the Olympics and Wins..."

2/2/10 ~ "Who You Gonna Be?"

1/12/10 ~ "Sometimes Things Don't Go As Planned"

12/17/09 ~ "Oh Goody, Opportunities to be Patient"

12/3/09 ~ "Little Voice Battles"