What do you like about this teacher?
Well, she is nice and . . . . .
You know the first thing you said was She was nice? Being able to connect that way to students is a gift. It goes beyond doing. It is about really caring, and we sense that.
I witnessed this conversation between my daughter and my mother. My Mom is a retired teacher, and her words reminded me how important it is to listen to what people say.
The words we use tell a story about what is important to us. It is not magic, it is conversation. The magic is in choosing to be present and willing to explore what you hear.
The words remind us what we should be doing to make deeper connections with people around us.
One of my favorite coaching topics is empathy and building relationships. When leaders take on the assignment to go listen more the stories they return with are always full of magical moments. It is not easy to make a change like this, but the reward makes it easier to keep trying to make it a habit.
Try it today, by simply asking the question – On this team, who is your most valuable person? What about them is so special?
Just listen.