The Art of Connecting : How to Overcome Differences, Build Rapport, and Communicate Effectively with Anyone

"The Art of Connecting is filled with real-life examples of people handling potentially awkward or difficult relationships in everyday situations. There are also intriguing and uplifting stories of truly masterful communicators practicing their craft, in environments ranging from corporate boardrooms to television studios to the mountains of Lesotho in Africa. The authors explain how these expert connectors effortlessly shift among three distinct perspectives ("me," "you," and "them") to arrive at a clear and well-rounded view of every potential interaction." "As our workplaces and communities become more diverse in more ways, it's more important than ever to focus not on what sets us apart, but on what can bring us together. Packed with refreshing perspectives and clear examples, The Art of Connecting shows you how."--Jacket This useful resource reveals five core principles and presents corresponding, specific strategies for overcoming communications barriers and connecting effectively with anyone, regardless of professional, generational, ethnic, cultural, or other differences.In an increasingly diverse workplace, it's more important and challenging than ever to communicate well. We must build bridges that cross our differences to connect our similarities.The Art of Connecting explains how the most skillful connectors can shift perspectives -- to see a situation from three points of view:“me,”“you,”and “them.” All the principles and strategies are brought to life through absorbing examples and scenarios, plus engaging descriptions of “masters of connection” -- like famed National Public Radio interviewer Terry Gross -- doing what they do.There is always a bridge. The Art of Connecting shows how to find it -- every time. In an increasingly diverse workplace, its more important and challenging than ever to communicate well. We must build bridges that cross our differences to connect our similarities. The Art of Connecting reveals five core principles and presents corresponding, specific strategies for overcoming communications barriers and connecting effectively with anyone, regardless of professional, generational, ethnic, cultural, or other differences.The authors also explain how the most skillful connectors are able to shift perspectives -- to see a situation from three points of me, you, and them. All of the principles and strategies are brought to life through absorbing examples and scenarios, plus engaging descriptions of masters of connection -- like famed National Public Radio interviewer Terry Gross -- doing what they do.There is always a bridge. The Art of Connecting shows how to find it -- every time. Masters Of Connection -- Core Principles -- Pathways To Connection -- Points Of View -- Working With Differences In Groups -- Twenty Questions -- Crossing The Bridge -- Learning Activities. Claire Raines And Lara Ewing. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.