6 SIMPLE WAYS TO GENUINELY CONNECT WITH PEOPLE

When it comes to becoming successful in your personal or professional life, your ability to influence and lead people is paramount.

It is difficult to influence and lead without genuinely connecting with others.

Below are some of the most time-tested, simple and proven ways to connect with people, form relationships, and forge enduring trust.

1. Respect people.

Whilst this may sound obvious, it is much harder to practice in real life. Respecting people is something that happens when you are conscious of it. It involves respecting people's situations, not being judgmental and respecting their views even if you do not agree with them.

2. Appreciate and acknowledge people.

Everyone likes being appreciated and most people have at least one or two qualities that are worthy of appreciation. Unless you are deliberate about acknowledging people, it is easy to let them slip into your blind spot. You will be surprised by how simply appreciating and acknowledging people can increase your influence. Make sure that any appreciation expressed is sincere and genuine, otherwise it may have the opposite effect to what is intended.

3. Trust people.

This is not always easy in a world where there is a constant barrage of scandals about people cheating people, taking advantage of of them or ripping them off. When we treat people as they are guilty until proven innocent, we can inadvertently come across as guarded and closed. By choosing to trust people first as your default approach, you will come across as more open and friendly.

4. Ask people insightful questions.

Getting people to think is one of the most wonderful gifts that you can give someone. Asking good questions will get them to think and open up. It will also demonstrate your interest in them. Asking good questions is an art. However, make sure not to get too deep too quickly and be mindful about the context and environment before getting into a deep and meaningful.

5. Listen to people attentively.

This is one of the most effective ways to build relationships. Most people are unconsciously thinking about their response whilst the other person is taking, instead of being attentive to what is being said (and perhaps what is not being said). Listening is more active than just hearing what someone has to say. Good listening also means not forming premature judgements about the message or the messenger.

6. Unconditionally love people - or at least make an attempt to.

Trying to love people is not always easy. But remember, most people are innately good and worthy of love. By at least trying to love people without conditions, you will come across as warm and accepting which can be very refreshing for many people and not something they are commonly used to. It may also make you more memorable.

- Ron Malhotra

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