My typical Friday includes going to the bank. I’m old school. I go in, and I talk to the tellers. I ask after them and their families. I get an update on a teller who was in a serious car accident, but mending well. They know my name. They greet me, even if I’m going to another window. Now, they know my daughter by name too. I have noticed over time, that , as I leave, I find myself smiling and feeling good. Why? Because I made a human connection. They remember that I recently went on college tours with my daughter. They know she’s saving up for a computer. They know I work from home. So, why did that make me smile? Because making those connections feels GOOD. The first element of Blanchard’s coaching model is all about connection. Creating connection is the ability to demonstrate that you care about and are interested in the person you are speaking with. As a coach, you must remain fully present. Ignoring or mitigating the mental distractions, and listening deeply to what the client says. Like so many coaching skills, connecting is applicable in every area of our lives. Making connections can happen anywhere. Smiling at the person behind you at the grocery store. Picking up the phone instead of sending yet another email to a colleague, looking your spouse in the eyes and really listening when you ask “how was your day”?, Staying up for a midnight chat with your teenager, and of course, the brilliant connections we make with clients. Every single one puts a smile on my face.

Read more http://thecoachingsource.com/2014/11/03/the-power-of-connection/