The Pick-up
My Dad is in his mid-eighties. Like many senior adults, his days are dominated by his numerous health issues. So it was fun recently when I saw his eyes light up and he took a trip down memory lane. I was showing him a picture of a 1966 Chevy Pick-up with a 350 v-8 engine that my friend and teammate had recently purchased. My Dad knew exactly the make and model of the truck and started recalling a time when those trucks were not collectors’ items but the main mode of transportation. You see, my Dad is an old car guy. He was in the business for years and still loves to talk about the cars and trucks of yesteryear.
That conversation reminded me of the importance of speaking the language of others. When we show interest in others, it opens doors of connection and engagement. This means taking the time to listen and seeking to understand the people who make up our personal and professional relationships. It means asking questions and allowing time to truly hear the answers. This requires work from us as there are no short cuts to building strong and meaningful relationships. It also means that we must reduce how much we talk about ourselves and grow the discipline of being authentically curious about others. This is something we can learn and practice.
Who do you need to develop a better connection with? Who would you like to learn more about? Who do you need to engage at a stronger level?
I think I’ll ask my Dad what it was like when gas cost 25 cents a gallon. I will also ask him to tell me a story about his favorite car. Then, I might ask him what his parents drove.
Think about questions that will allow others to share about their life and interests. When we take the time to become curious about those around us, we will make difference.
Larry
Check out our latest episode on the Crossing the Line Podcast:
Actions Speak, with Dr. Nick Gillespie
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