I am often asked: What is the main issue people in the workplace are struggling with today? I’ve been broadcasting this program a long time, and I can tell you one issue remains at the top of most everyone’s list, and that is how to deal successfully with people!

It’s people! In some form or another, our relationships—on the job and everywhere else—cause us more frustration, create more conflict, and waste more of our time than anything else. Of course, relationships also can bring great joy and satisfaction, too.

Let’s talk about this relationship challenge of connecting successfully with others. Some people seem to have no difficulty forming friendships, generating loyalty, creating community, and getting along with people, while others seem to be lacking in these skills. But remember God equips us to do what he wants us to do, so if making friends and connecting well with others is important—and it is—then he will help you develop the ability to make the first move and initiate connections. It may push you out of your comfort zone, but that’s a good thing. It stretches you.

One of the first things to connect better with others is to make people feel comfortable in our presence. And we can learn to do that by thinking of ourselves as “hosts” or “hostesses” in any situation. A good host takes the initiative to make others feel comfortable. Most people view themselves as “guests” in life, expecting others to take the initiative and make the first move. But if you will just reverse that tendency and think of yourself as the host or hostess, you will become more proactive in initiating conversations, offering to help others, and discovering that you are beginning to connect with people much more easily.

I challenge you to be the “host” as you go to work; see yourself as the person who will initiate connections, who will have your antenna up to be aware of others around you and be willing to get out of your comfort zone and make the first move. It is such a simple idea, but I can promise you it will make a difference in how you connect with others.