Everyone communicates few people connect. Those who do connect take their relationships, their work, and their lives to another level - John Maxwell

The ability to connect with others begins with understanding the value of people - Jim Collins author of Good to Great.

In today’s fast paced society of multitasking and working on the fly we are doing more and more communication via email, texting, face book and twitter. Next time you are out for dinner or at the café take a moment to look at how many people are focused on their cell phones reading emails or texting while their significant other is sitting right in front of them. Watch and you will see families with both parents, cell phones in hand, texting while their children are playing games on their own cell phones or electronic devices. People are losing sight of the importance of relationships, being present, conversation and truly connecting.

Do not underestimate the importance of picking up the phone or better yet meeting one on one, turning off your electronic devices and being truly “present” with one another to truly connect.

Being present…

Be here; be prepared to be nowhere else...

Our work, our relationships, and our lives succeed or fail one conversation at a time. While no single conversation is guaranteed to transform a company, a relationship, or a life, any single conversation can. Speak and listen as if this is the most important conversation you will ever have with this person. It could be. Participate as if it matters. It does. – Susan Scott author of Fierce conversations.

Janis Gall