Don’t Block the Light

"Don’t block the light," said the social worker at our training session for volunteer visits to hospital patients. "What does that mean", I queried.
He responded, "We block the light when…
we interrupt.
we don’t listen.
we are quick to tell our solutions – to fix it.
we ask more than one question at a time.
we ask a question and then answer it too.
we tell our story instead of listening to theirs.
we are not present.
we open our mouths. There are times when you don’t need to say anything at all."

 

What does this have to do with you?
When you connect, you begin to build a relationship – which can grow into a trusted relationship. People become friends with and do business with people they know, they like, and they trust.
We stop that connection, or block the light when…
we multi-task.
we read our smart phones during a conversation.
we tap away on our computers while talking on the phone.
we talk or text on our cell phones during a lunch with someone else.

Ask yourself how you might be blocking the light with those you meet for the first time and with those you already know. Whether you’re visiting someone who is ill, or you are at a party, or you’re doing business in person or on the phone - you want to connect.

Your Speak For Yourself® Challenge:
Stay connected with others. Don’t block the light.

Karen, a presentation skills executive coach in Dallas, can be reached at www.karencortellreisman.com