Running Conversation

It is always nice when one connects with another person, has a good conversation, reaches an understanding with which both parties are comfortable. It does not have to be about anything of particular importance or significance. The simple experience of having a good conversation with another person is, in itself, noteworthy. Let me add real quickly that I have certainly had my share of these over the years, but the older I have gotten the more I have come to appreciate how much value such a seemingly little thing can add to one's day. Over the recent Thanksgiving holiday I had one of those times with my daughter.

We went jogging together and ran for a little over two and a half miles. Because she was being very kind, we kept a very nice and easy pace. The sky was clear, the temperature was brisk but not awfully cold, and the trail we followed was not overly hilly or rough. We talked the whole time as we ran. The topics we touched weren't as important as the experience itself. It was free of distractions and interferences like ringing telephones, text messages or unexpected visitors. I wish we could do this sort of thing everyday even for just an hour where we were free from the interruptions of life.

This little episode got me to thinking about how so much different things are at work where interruptions reign supreme. At the office in meetings, for instance, even if they are with just one other person, there are very few opportunities to connect with people on challenges the two of you might share or even projects on which you might be working. Sure, the work gets done. People are able to work together to come up with a game plan for tackling a joint project. But how much longer is all that stretched out due to interruptions that get in the way of being able to connect? My guess is more than any of us wish to admit.

So, what's the answer? Should all of us go on jogs together just so we can connect with other people? Truth be told, that probably would not be a bad idea. Short of that, from a communication standpoint, it is important to create an atmosphere or establish a setting that is as distraction- free as possible. Good communication is about talking as well as listening. Anything that gets in the way of that simple flow is unwanted We all need to focus on ways to set aside or even remove potential disruptions that might interfere with efforts to connect with others. If that requires stage managing a little bit, then so be it. The greater good is the connection - personal or professional. It feels good and it feeds into a basic need we share, which is our innate sense of being needed and belonging.