Live Life – Use The Power Of Making Connections

‘O amma, clean this table,’ said Rahul loudly. ‘And Chotu, get samosas quickly.’

The new maid continued to clean other tables. Chotu was busy serving others. Rahul told Liaquat to hurry them up. After five minutes, there was still no service.

 ‘They’re hopeless Rakesh bhaiyya,’ fumed Rahul.

Just then, RInku entered the canteen. She stopped and chatted with the new maid for a moment. They both smiled. Rinku patted her. Then she greeted Liaquat and Chotu.

As soon as Rinku joined Rakesh and Rahul, the maid appeared and cleaned the table. ‘Ok Rinku amma?’ she asked looking for approval. ‘Thank you Lakshmi,’ said Rinku. ‘Would you like to have some tea? I’ll order some for you.’ Lakshmi smiled gratefully. Meanwhile Chotu came running with samosas. He served Rinku first. ‘Here madam,’ he said. ‘Best samosas.’

‘Arre, I tip more money than anyone,’ said Rahul. ‘Why’re they ignoring me and treating Rinku like a long lost friend?’

‘Because your people skills are lousy,’ said Rinku. ‘You don’t make any connection. You only transact.’

‘But bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Why should I make a connection? They’re just doing their job.’

‘You’re right, they’ll only do their job if you treat them like a transaction,’ said Rakesh. ‘But if you make a connection, they’ll open their hearts and treat you like a dear friend. Like they treated Rinku. Tell me, do you like dealing with friendly people or hostile, indifferent people?’

‘Friendly people bhaiyya, but why should I go out of my way to make them feel good?’

‘Rahul, rules don’t work with people, emotions do,’ said Rakesh. ‘You only need a moment to make genuine connections and make things easier for everyone. But most people would rather suffer than making that tiny effort. You know, the greatest leaders treat people like people, like individuals. That’s why people love working for them.’

‘What should I do bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul.

‘Do what Rinku did,’ said Rakesh. ‘First, acknowledge everyone. Greet them. Look at them when you speak. Second, remember their names and use their names as often as you can. Third, whenever appropriate, a hand shake or a light touch helps. It makes them feel included. Recognised.’

‘That’s it?’ asked Rahul. 

 ‘Yes,’ said Rakesh. ‘Next time we deal with people, whether it’s a cab driver, maid, delivery boy, clerks, family, friends, let’s use these simple practices and make deep, long lasting connections. Let’s access the hidden power of human connections. ’

Lakshmi came to clear up. Rahul smiled at her and said, ‘Thank you Lakshmi.’ She gave him a huge smile. And when Chotu came with the bill, Rahul put an arm around his shoulders and gave him a healthy tip. 

‘We’ve got fresh Osmania biscuits Rahul bhaiyya,’ whispered Chotu. ‘Let me get them for you.’

Pro Tip: To access the hidden power of people, acknowledge them. Make genuine connections. Greet everyone, look at them when speaking, remember their names and make them feel included. 

Exercise: Have students line up in groups of two with people they do not normally meet. Tell them to acknowledge them fully – look into their eyes, greet them with their name, place a hand on their shoulder (or touch elbows COVID style) and use their name in a sentence soon after. Tell them to share how it felt to acknowledge and be acknowledged.