Connected Communication Practice #4: Connect before sharing Context and Content

Building connectedness at the outset of any conversation provides the foundation from which to have the conversation. Without connection to each other as human beings, we tend to fall back into reactive patterns: overexplaining, overpreparing, not listening, avoiding the hard issues or just railroading over others. Establishing relationship at the outset creates safety. It sets both people up to let their guards down. Next is context. Share what you are wanting to speak about and ask the other person if they are willing to have this conversation now. Asking for the opt-in creates buy-in and collaboration. Connecting is like opening the door, setting context is explaining the room and content is getting into the room together.