Be the Host

Christian Working Woman Transcript

Monday, October 01, 2007 - Connecting with Others

One question I am often asked is “What is the main issue that people in the workplace are struggling with today?” I’ve been broadcasting this program since 1984, so I’ve had enough time to observe common issues and note changes in the workplace. But I can tell you that one issue remains at the top of most everyone’s list, and that is how to deal successfully with people!

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 eat up more of our time than anything else. Of course, relationships also can bring great joy and satisfaction, too.

I want to address this relationship challenge by talking about how we connect successfully with others. You will notice that there are some people who seem to have no difficulty forming friendships, generating loyalty, creating community, and getting along with people, while others are woefully lacking in these skills. What makes one person better at connecting with people than others? And if this ability to connect with people does not come naturally to us, is it possible to develop those skills and improve in those areas?

Scripture exhorts us to count others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), and to exhibit the characteristics of a truly loving attitude toward others. We need to find practical and effective ways to develop these godly characteristics of connecting easily and quickly with other people, whether they are co-workers, managers, employees or just friends and acquaintances.

One of the first things we have to do to connect 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.