DESIGN CONNECTIONS?: TO GIVE IS TO CONNECT

For many, making connections isn’t easy. So, I have been thinking about a simple idea that can get us out of our shell without much effort and meet new people.?

It is the equivalent of a stretching exercise for social connections.

And I think I found one.?

It starts with the act of “giving."

With that, I started a list.

You don't need to be an extrovert to practice these simple actions to connect with people.

Try one a day or all of them every day.?

You can try them at the office, online, at home, or on vacation.?

8 simple things to give to connect with people:

1. Give a smile. Just try to see how many people smile back. Bonus? The more you smile, the more your inner self smiles back.

2. Give a compliment.?Notice something nice about the other person—their glasses, lipstick color, their work—and don't keep it inside. Say it out loud (this also works with spouses and partners.)

3. Give a gift.?People love a bouquet of daisies. A small box of chocolates. A little drawing. Gifts can be bought or made, that isn’t important, it's the action, not the item that matters.

4. Give a hand.?"How can I help?" is a wonderful way to start. "Let me help," works too. Better yet, give preemptive help (you can read my earlier newsletter on it here.)?

5. Give an ear.?It is rare to have someone who really listens. Try to have “two ears and one mouth.”?(I learned this from one of the Design Connections? program participants while in Mat-Su, and it stuck with me.)

6. Give time.?Time is the most precious thing. Take time to be with someone just by being fully present, without rushing, without looking at your phone.

7. Give an idea.?Unblock someone who is stuck. Brainstorm with them. Say, let's generate some ideas.?Or just gently offer them an idea unsolicited (but keep in mind you are not giving them advice, but ideas — much of the distinction is in the tone and style of delivery.)

8. Give thanks.?Pay attention to what people are doing to help you and say thank you. But don't stop there: tell them why you are thanking them to make it count.

I would love to add to this list.

Please give me ideas: what else can we "give" to others to connect with them in a meaningful way?

I am smiling to you from here and thanking you for helping me expand my mind!

Ayse

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