The Art of Connecting: How to Overcome Differences, Build Rapport, And Communicate Effectively With Anyone

by Claire Raines, Lara Ewing

In an increasingly diverse workplace, it’s more important and challenging than ever to communicate well. We must build bridges that cross our differences to connect our similarities. The Art of Connecting reveals five core principles and presents corresponding, specific strategies for overcoming communications barriers and connecting effectively with anyone, regardless of professional, generational, ethnic, cultural, or other differences.The authors also explain how the most skillful connectors are able to shift perspectives -- to see a situation from three points of “me,” “you,” and “them.” All of the principles and strategies are brought to life through absorbing examples and scenarios, plus engaging descriptions of “masters of connection” -- like famed National Public Radio interviewer Terry Gross -- doing what they do.There is always a bridge. The Art of Connecting shows how to find it -- every time.

Genres: Communication, Self Help, Nonfiction

230 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2006

Reviews

[A Crawley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. In my opinion, there's no enough content to craft a book. Repetitive, sometimes very simplistic, lacking profoundness as well as precision. I was reluctant to reading it completely, but I did, and after 100 pages things got a little better with a couple of examples, but it was not enough.

[Rodwell Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like any scientific method, the reasons for connecting with others is a lifetime discipline. However, it is not taught in any business schools or directly listed on any curriculum in the same manner in which the financial principles of business are. Thanks to "The Art of Connecting: How to Overcome Differences, Build Rapport, and Communicate Effectively with Anyone" by Claire Raines and Lara Ewing, I can now practice the art for my business and sales career.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

think more and more people in business (and life in general) are realizing that people are not exactly like them. Simply put, we live in a global community where not everyone looks, sounds, or acts the same. In addition to obvious physical differences, we also have different interests, values, and goals. Thus, to be successful in business (and in life) one needs to understand, get along with, and ultimately connect with people that are different from him or herself.

The Art of Connecting takes the difficulty out of connecting with anyone. The key is not to pour over Chinese history books for two weeks before that meeting in Beijing. Nor is it to be friendly and aloof because you are unsure of how to act. The secret is merely realizing that we all are individuals (we are all our own culture as the book states). Watching, listening, and trying to find common ground with each person as an individual is much more likely to allow you to overcome overt differences, build rapport, and communicate effectively.

[Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book; great advice on how to improve your relationships and effectiveness with those around you in both your work and personal life. I really liked Raines' idea of "The Titanium Rule"; while I believe this was the real spirit of the Golden Rule, her explanation of what it really means "to do undo others" was insightful and exactly how I am striving to live my life.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me by a colleague a few years ago, I finally got around to reading this book on communicating across diversity and connecting with people who are different than you in any of a number of ways. I credit my upbringing for feeling like I already employ many of these strategies. The book is well thought out and helpful.

[Maureen Mahowald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had practical tips on how to connect with different types of people.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too little substance as for me. Still the chapter about beliefs that masterful connector held is quite good. So as one about first, second, and third person perceptions.

[Craig Fedrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

good