From a young age, I’ve been deeply attuned to the emotions and energy of those around me. As an empath, this sensitivity, combined with my people-pleasing nature, sparked a constant drive to lift others’ spirits. This instinct shaped my ability to connect with people on a deeper level by making them feel truly seen and heard.
When I reflect on the subtle yet intentional choices that enhance my connections with others, these stand out the most:
1. Follow Up on Personal Details: Remember and inquire about something they mentioned in a previous conversation, such as an upcoming event.
Friday
Me: "What are you doing this weekend?"
Colleague: "I'm visiting my parents downtown."
Monday
Me: "Hey! How was your weekend with your parents?"
Colleague: *shocked you remembered* "Really great, thanks for asking!"
2. Share Vulnerably: Open up about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings authentically. I am naturally very open, so this is easy for me, but even if you tend to be more guarded, you should work on sharing small things.
Me: "I found that meeting pretty overwhelming."
Colleague: "Me too! I'm glad I wasn't the only one."
3. Give Thoughtful, Personalized Gifts or Gestures: Offer small, meaningful gestures or gifts that reflect the other person’s interests or needs. It shows that you’ve been paying attention.
Me: "Hey, I know you mentioned your friends didn't do anything for your birthday yesterday, so I brought you a little 'happy birthday' treat for lunch."
Colleague: "That is so kind, thank you so much."
4. Ask for Their Advice or Opinion: Seek their input on a topic where you value their perspective. Asking for advice shows respect for their knowledge and fosters a sense of mutual trust and respect in the relationship.
Me: "Hey, I saw your excellent work on that last project. Where did you find that resource? It was so helpful!
Colleague: "Thanks! I got it here."
5. Use Their Name in Conversation: Incorporate the person’s name naturally into your conversation. People tend to respond positively to hearing their own names.
Me: "Thank you so much for your help last week, Jane!"
Colleague: "Happy to help!"
As you can tell, these are not groundbreaking or revolutionary. Still, these are minor details we often miss, forget, or skip over in the busyness of our days. You never know your impact on someone else; always try to leave them better than you found them.
If this message resonates with you, I hope you'll subscribe to the blog by entering your email at the bottom of this page.
With gratitude,
Christina DeFranco
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