Episode: 575

Episode Title: Giving Not Getting

How do you respond when someone wants to forge a human connection with you? And what can you learn from your own response? More on this topic, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 575 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate today! All week, we’ve been talking about how to truly connect with the young people we influence. There are strategies for this, like showing respect first, validating the other person, active listening, and demonstrating genuine interest. 

But these strategies assume that you’re always the one initiating the connection. And maybe you are that person most of the time, but not always. How do you tend to respond when someone wants to connect on a human level with you?

Human nature being what it is, I can see a variety of responses. You might ask yourself, do I trust this person? What do they want? Do they have an ulterior motive, something they’re trying to get from me? Maybe you shy away at first. That’s entirely natural. 

However you tend to respond, take a moment to examine your kneejerk reaction. It might give you a clue about how your efforts to connect are being interpreted. Does the other person feel that you’re trustworthy? Do they need to be on guard, because you want something from them? And if so, how can you overcome those feelings and show them that you’re connecting because you care?

A human connection cannot be simply a transaction-based relationship. It’s a lot more about giving than getting—giving time, energy, and even emotional investment. Maybe that’s why it’s so rare these days—and why Gen Z responds so positively when they do find that type of genuine connection. 

Just something to ponder as we head into the weekend. Thanks for tuning in this week to The Perna Syndicate. Next week, it’s all about the next step: engaging effectively with young people. Until then, take care!