there is always a bridge

Today’s workplace is a microcosm of our ever more diverse society, a patchwork quilt of different cultures, races, religions, and perspectives. It’s no secret that the key to a vibrant and productive environment is communication with your colleagues, but how do you connect with someone with whom you have little in common?

Actually, you share much more with others than you may think, and the five core principles explored in The Art of Connecting will help you to identify that common ground.

First and foremost, there is always a bridge, say authors Raines and Ewing. "While others walk away, polarized, and give up on making a connection, masterful connectors hang in there because they believe that, if they just persevere, they can certainly find common ground."

Curiosity, too, is key. When you are curious about something or someone, your attention is directed outward, and you are much more likely to identify the bridge.

Conversely, what you assume is what you get. If you assume you already know everything you can know or need to know about a person or situation, your limited expectations are all that will come to pass.

Cultural, ethnic, and racial categorizations are, at best, broad strokes, and in fact have the potential to exacerbate differences in a society where every individual is a culture. Relying on traditional identifiers only leads back to assumptions and generalizations, and prevents you from learning all the complexities that make each person unique. Opportunities to connect through those more subtle qualities or experiences are lost.

Finally, when you do reach out, do so with no strings attached. Remember that although you are intent on communication, those you are trying to reach can’t be expected to jump on board immediately. Still, it’s important to lay the groundwork now for a successful relationship later.

- Claire Raines and Lara Ewing, The Art of Connecting