So, yeah, fastest year ever. Something good to share? This year I've made significant strides in overcoming my social anxiety when it comes to formal networking, leading to actually building some meaningful and valuable connections. I had the opportunity to visit approximately 30-35 local communities across the country. Understanding the world beyond the Capital City seems to always bring the best of me. So, I'd like to emphasize social interactions as the central theme of my Urbi et Orbi for 2024 (pretentious title for a LinkedIn article indeed, but I've stopped taking myself too seriously for at least three years in a row now, so I can use this reference).
Here are some key reminders that I have found helpful before engaging with modern human civilization in 2024:
- Listen More: It's important to recognize that men in our society, including myself, often (un)consciously project self-confidence and tend to dominate conversations (thanks to our overprotective mothers), sometimes turning them into monologues, which is often in disbalance to what we can actually contribute to the conversation. To counter this tendency, I've learned to step back and ask questions instead of fighting anxiety by polluting the conversation with my experiences. It's essential to let go of the need to prove ourselves and remain open to learning from others. So, yeah, try to leave space for others, they will appreciate it.
- Embrace the Insights of the New Generation: The younger generation, which we now consider those born between 1995 and 2005, is making its mark in various conversations nowadays. They sit at the table, and take prominent role. Accept this. They typically aren't focused on impressing others, so it's up to you to initiate conversations with them. Often, they possess a wealth of knowledge and can offer valuable insights that we may not be aware of. Afterall, don't sweat, we can always justify our ignorance by a good-old referring to our war-torn childhood compared to their "golden years" of growing up in the post-Dayton Bosnia.
- Understanding Gaps on the Other Side of the Fence: Older generations may struggle to keep up with the latest trends in technology, artificial intelligence, and tools for whatsoever. However, they often excel in areas like social context understanding, empathy, and deep knowledge of established procedures and best practices. It's essential to be patient and not be surprised if they're not familiar with the latest tech trends, and avoid dismissing them for this. For example, we are facing difficulties in making good old traditional phone call. So, guess we could also update our basic functions. Indeed.
- Dive into Some New Topics: Engaging in conversations beyond the usual topics of politics, history, and identity (usual references in Bosnia and Herzegovina) can be enlightening. By sharing insights gained from work or social discussions, we can broaden our horizons. Okay, this sounds like some new-age life-coach phrase, but it's not. So yeah, it's okay to enter conversations where we might feel out of our depth, as this can enhance our listening skills and our openness to new knowledge. Acknowledging that we may not always be the smartest person in the room fosters some feelings that will do good for us.
- Build Genuine Connections: To initiate meaningful conversations, it's essential to take an interest in others' passions and skills, remembering details and demonstrating respect. Genuine curiosity and empathy are powerful tools for building connections. It is hard to train this, you actually need to develop it on your own. If you respect what individual brings, and acknowledge one's community as valuable, all the doors will remain open to you.
We are on the cusp of an era where everything is described as amazing, thrilling or pivotal, using various generic terms. Let's make 2024 a year dedicated to improving our real-life social skills. In 2024, rather than fixating on protocols, I would recommend to push focus on developing a sincere interest in the world around you. Bring some genuine sense of curiosity about our surroundings.
