Connect by David L. Bradford

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David Bradford and Carole Robin taught interpersonal skills to MBA candidates for a combined seventy-five years on their legendary Stanford Graduate School of Business course, "Interpersonal Dynamics". Now, in Connect, they share their time-tested strategies for developing the interpersonal skills that have become fundamental to success at work and in our everyday lives, such as building trust, giving feedback and navigating conflict.

Connect shows why relationship-building is crucial to becoming a more effective manager and leader and living a fulfilled life, from highlighting the importance of curiosity and empathy to demonstrating how to break logjams and negotiate boundaries. Filled with research-backed insights, useful concepts and thought-provoking exercises, Connect is an important resource for anyone hoping to build and sustain relationships, providing tools to make relationships robust -- and even exceptional.

Here are some key lessons from Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues:

* Authentic Communication: Genuine, honest communication is the foundation of building strong relationships. People appreciate sincerity and vulnerability, which fosters trust and connection.

* Empathy and Active Listening: Practice empathy by actively listening to others without judgment. This helps in understanding their feelings, perspectives, and needs, which strengthens relationships.

* Building Rapport: Finding common ground and showing genuine interest in others helps in forming bonds. People are more likely to connect with you when you make them feel seen and understood.

* Conflict Resolution: Embrace conflicts as opportunities to deepen understanding. Approaching disagreements with openness and respect is essential to resolving issues and maintaining strong relationships.

* Self-Awareness: Being aware of your emotions, actions, and communication style helps you engage more effectively with others. Self-awareness leads to more intentional and thoughtful interactions.

* Consistency and Reliability: Trust is built over time, and being consistent and dependable in your actions strengthens relationships. Keep promises, show up for others, and be reliable in your commitments.

* Setting Boundaries: Healthy relationships require clear boundaries. Knowing when to say no, and respecting others’ limits, is crucial in maintaining balance and respect in your interactions.

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