EVERYONE COMMUNICATES,FEW CONNECT BY John.C.Maxwell

Let me start with this quote. "It's not enough just to work hard, it's not enough to do a great job to be successful, you need to learn how to really communicate with others." Good communication and leadership are all about connecting.

The writer of this book, John C. Maxwell is a leadership expert, an international speaker and also a preacher of God's word. This book was really engaging for me because it is filled with so much of John's personal stories, anecdotes, his personal life experiences, etc, which I could really relate with on a personal stand. Though the book is crowded with a lot of principles on how to communicate and connect with people, I have decided to highlight some few points that really resonated with me and so I would also encourage you to go get the book.

If you want to succeed, you must learn how to connect with people. And while it may seem like some folks are just born with the ability, the fact is that anyone can learn how to make every communication an opportunity for personal connection. The ability to connect with others is a major determining factor in reaching your full potential.

The book is in two parts. In the first part of the book, you will learn about five principles that are foundational for understanding how to connect with people while in the second part, you will learn about five practices that anyone can do to connect with others regardless of age, experience or natural ability.

What does the writer mean when he says "connect?" Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate with them in a way that increases your influence with them. The question now could be: How do I tell? How do I know that I have connected with others? These are some of the signs to look out for as suggested by the writer of this book, John C. Maxwell, whether one on one, in a group or with an audience:

1. When people go the extra mile
2. When they say positive things
3. When they demonstrate trust
4. When they express themselves more readily
5. When they feel good about what they are doing
6. When they display a connection on an emotional level
7. When their effectiveness becomes greater than the sum of their contributions
8. When they are accepting without reservation.

If you want to connect with people, meet them in their world. Have you ever heard of someone who is said to live a charmed life? Usually, those are people who have learned how to connect. When you connect with others, you position yourself to make the most out of your skills and talents.

No matter what your goals are, connecting can help you achieve them at a faster rate. The ability to connect with others begins with understanding the values of people and these are some of the practical skills of connection:

-Finding Common Ground
-Making Your Communication Simple
-Capturing People's Interests
-Inspiring Them
-Being Authentic.

I believe that almost everything we become and all that we accomplish in life are the results of our interaction with others. If you believe this is true then you need to learn the art of connecting with others. It is one of the most important skills a person can learn. So could we add it to our list of soft skills?

The focus of this book really dealt with the issue of how to connect with people at different levels such as one-on-one, in a group and with an audience. At the end of each chapter, there are questions or assignments that will help you apply the ideas to your own life in these three areas.

Connecting with people is never about you and me. It is about the person with whom I am communicating. You have to get over your self, you have to change the focus from inward to outward. Reach out to others. Anyone can do it, all you need is the will and determination to follow through and the acquisition of a handful of skills! But come to think of it, why do so many people miss it? The reasons include immaturity, insecurity and ego-centeredness.

In conclusion, Donald Miller, the author of Blue Like Jazz, likens immaturity to thinking that life is like a movie and you are the star. Hmm! That is a selfish attitude. Immature people do not see things from other people's points of view. Maturity does not always come with age. Sometimes, age comes alone.

Book Reviewed by: EDOBOR Faith