In the third Elevate session, we focus on the new rules of communication. Communication is an interesting topic because it’s something we all engage in daily. Yet, how effective are we at it?

To truly understand communication, we need to first recognise its purpose: connection. At its core, communication isn’t just about exchanging information; it’s about building relationships. When we make genuine connections with others, we lay the foundation for trust and rapport. These relationships are crucial because, in moments of need, it’s this trust that can make all the difference, enabling us to call on others for help or support when required.

Often, people view the Elevate strategies as tools for professional settings. But our personal and professional lives are more intertwined than ever before, and what we learn applies to both contexts. The strategies we use in the workplace can be just as effective in personal contexts – and we get feedback from Elevate participants on the success of the strategies we share at home too!

A great example of this happened to me recently. Thanks to the connections I’ve built, my husband benefitted too. Over the weekend, he took his suit to the dry cleaners for alterations. But when he went to put on his other suit on Monday morning, he realised it had two dirty marks, rendering it unwearable. Left with no option but to wear an older suit, he rushed off to work, leaving me with the task of taking the second suit to the cleaners. He mentioned, somewhat stressed, that he now had a problem for the week.

But here’s the thing: since moving to our new area three years ago, I’ve made a conscious effort to build strong relationships with local suppliers, including our dry cleaner. This wasn’t just about getting the best deal or services – it was about establishing connections. A simple call to the dry cleaner at 9:30 AM led to him agreeing to do the alterations that same morning, with the option to pick them up in the afternoon. It also meant I could drop off the second suit for cleaning at the same time. This provided a double benefit: not only did I save time by making just one trip that week, but my husband also got his second suit back, as needed.

When I dropped the suit off, the dry cleaner made me laugh. He said, “Next time your husband comes in, tell him to put the items in your name and phone number. You’re very popular here and get a premium service.” This was a testament to the power of relationships. The dry cleaner had recognised me as a valued customer, and in return, I received better service, all because I’d invested in making a genuine connection.

This example highlights how building connections, whether at work or at home, brings tangible benefits. By taking the time to cultivate relationships, you create a network of support that not only makes your personal and professional life smoother but also fosters a sense of trust and reliability that can benefit everyone involved. At work, these connections help improve collaboration, streamline communication, and make navigating challenges easier. At home, they can reduce stress, offer solutions when unexpected problems arise, and build a sense of community.

The real power of communication lies in the quality of the connections you make. It’s not just about getting things done, but about creating lasting, meaningful relationships that can make life easier, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful.

If this resonates with you, have a look at our upcoming sessions to see how we can help to unlock – and elevate – the potential in your workplaces.

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