The Power of Connection: How to Become a Master Communicator in Your Workplace, Your Head Space and at Your Place

by Rik Rushton

A simple communication framework to begin practising today We all carry around the technology to stay connected 24/7, yet many of us are disengaged and challenged with our lack of communication skills. The Power of Connection provides you with practical, real-world solutions for improving your professional performance, your personal relationships and your outlook ― one conversation at a time. Becoming a confident and compelling communicator might be the most important skill for leaders in the modern business landscape, parents in the modern home and individuals who use ‘self-talk' to help shape their world. By adopting the simple strategies revealed in every chapter, you can become an unshakeable success at what you set out to do. This book is designed to help you start communicating better today , so start reading and start practicing with your very next conversation! We are surrounded by noise, yet no one is actually saying anything we can connect with ― or are we just not listening? Communication is a two-way street, and involves so much more than just speaking. The Power of Connection offers a quick and easy road map for your personal journey of growth and development that will make you a better parent, friend, spouse and employee. It's the right message for this time considering there's never a wrong time to level up your skills and become more effective at work, at home and in life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Audiobook

176 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2017

Reviews

[Sean Scoffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look at my bookshelf, full of Books on Leadership, Personal Development, Psychology, Philosophy...Comedy and there a few that stand out for me. Those books that I keep going back to. To Re-Read, Further Explore and search for real answers and techniques that I can apply that will make a difference to the quality of my life and those around me.
The Power of Connection, I am certain, will now be one of those few books that I will pick up time and time again. Rik has put together a real, practical, humorous and thought provoking book that just invites you to turn page after page with energy and excitement. The topics covered can be easily be applied to all facets of your life and I believe if you only applied 3-5 of the dozens of tips available, you too would notice the immediate improvements in your own life and those around you.
Just buy the damn book...

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rushton discusses the techniques he uses to connect with others. He explains personality types using the colour system of red, blue, yellow and aqua, which reminded me of Surrounded By Idiots by Thomas Erikson, and how to best connect with each by conversing using their communication style. He also suggests the use of neuro linguistic programming to use the words of others, as essentially people connect with others if they feel they are like them and so to broadcast their words back to them makes them think this. Whilst I appreciate that these techniques may work, I found Rushton’s comment that he gained a better understanding of psychology working in a warehouse than studying for a degree amusing, as both of these theories are not backed by any scientific study. I also questioned the ethics of this as at no point are you being yourself, as you sacrifice your communication style for others and thus if everyone did this it wouldn’t work. I also questioned the way he managed people as these techniques just seemed manipulative as they were not with integrity. The other advice to me seemed obvious, such as listening, showing empathy by understanding people’s perspectives and taking an interest by asking questions but I recognise that people are generally very bad at communicating and connecting with others, and thus would benefit from this book.

[Caroline Bolderston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book! Rik's writing style is engaging, heartfelt and honest. He makes it easy for the reader to grasp the wisdom and concepts that he has learned through his experiences and the mentors that have shaped his life. It is filled with clear examples, insights and simple strategies that will immediately enhance your ability to connect and communicate at a deeper level. This book is a must-read for anyone who desires stronger and more connected relationships, both business and personal. I loved it!

[Michael Garside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, thank you Rik!

[Elisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some people might find this helpful. I got this audiobook for free so I gave it a shot but I am probably not his audience What he says is not wrong but it's not terribly new either and I found his exposition slow and annoying. Take aways? Listen. People have different communication styles. Talk to them with their style in mind Always say thank you. See? All good things. I just didn't need to give up 4 hours to learn that.

[Dallas Book Tribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Connection by Rik Rushton is an insightful and inspiring book that provides a valuable perspective on the importance of building strong connections with others. Rushton's writing style is engaging and personable, making the book an easy and enjoyable read. Using real-life examples, the author emphasizes the significance of human interactions in our daily lives, and offers practical advice on how to create more meaningful and rewarding relationships.🗣️

One of the most significant strengths of The Power of Connection are the examples that Rushton draws from. He discusses the importance of strong family ties, intimate partnerships, and professional networks, presenting readers with a range of paths to cultivate connections. Additionally, practical tools and strategies are provided that readers can use to build stronger relationships, such as practicing empathy and vulnerability, developing active listening skills, and amplifying the people who matter most in our lives.

One of our favorite parts in the book was in chapter 2, ‘Tuning In’ before ‘Broadcasting’ We learned to identify people by their personality color and how to better communicate with them in their preferred frequency for a deeper and more meaningful connection ✨

Overall, The Power of Connection is an uplifting and positive book filled with practical insights on the importance of building strong connections and relationships. Anyone looking to enhance their social life and create a greater sense of community will find this book to be invaluable. Highly recommended!

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s useful for getting an insight in to the authors mindset, but near useless for forming real connections. The only take away is to thank people. It’s clearly not intended to facilitate good connection with others - for example it includes information about how to constructively dismiss employees, and pretend you’re doing employees a favour by firing them. It suggests only associating with people that have enough privilege to get away with breaking social norms - the specific example being providing genuine responses when asked how you are.

[subtlemurder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt more like an autobiography than an actual How To. I thought it was insightful, and it is useful to learn from others experiences, but I was really hoping for more tools and skills to help with connection and communicating.

[Kristin Alford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great personal story with useful insights, especially around listening and thank yous.

[Miti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Rik

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very good and realistic principles and advice on how to better communicate in all aspects of your life.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give a 2.5
This book just didn't have the interest and helpful ways to build connectios. It talked a lot about how parents failed him. Just didn't have a spark I expected.

[janicec100 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the beginning and the end but not so much the middle. There was a strong argument for saying thank you.

[Chris Leat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written help guide. A lot of the advice is common sense and what would instinctively come to the right person. I liked the back stories.

[DB · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known better than to read something based on vibes and not evidence.