Are we Losing our Connection?

Every fortnight I meet with a group of business people over breakfast to share information and referrals and support each other’s businesses. 

Some time ago we discussed how we as consumers are doing more of the customer service work that was once done for us.  We now do our own banking by internet rather than through a teller.  We scan our own groceries rather than go through the personal service checkout.  And, I’m told that in the UK there are banks with no tellers, just a concierge who will politely point you to the correct machine to use for the service you require.  It gets me thinking of the generations that are to come … how will they learn to speak to people face-to-face when so much is done on-line or via our phones?

Face-to-face communication = connection.  Yes – there is art and skill required.  Most of us picked up our ‘art and skill’ from our families and the people in our circle of influence:  friends, teachers, sports coaches and teams and workplaces.  And let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to converse with someone face to face.  Sometimes we don’t know what to say or we can’t find the right words to express our feelings at the right time.  Or the circle of influence we were exposed to, really didn’t prepare us for the rest of the world.  Sometimes we react and say what we think and people get hurt or offended.  Sometimes we we don’t know what to say at all and say nothing.  And these days there are so many ways for us to ‘opt out’ of having those face-to-face conversations by using an email, text or PM.  Or withdrawing altogether. 

It’s never too late to learn the art and skill of communication.  The more you experiment and ‘play’ with it, the sooner you will enrich your life even more and connect in ways that you never thought possible.  To really hear someone and give of your time is something to feel good about and is a true gift.  To be genuinely heard and listened to can provide release and clarity (and potentially save a life).  These skills and gifts are treasures in this disconnected world of computer games, button-pushing and remembering your many user-ids and passwords. 

Remember – personal connection is what so many in our communities are craving.  Is it time for you to re-connect?