We Us Our and the LEAP Model

The definition of RELATE means TO CONNECT … to have in common… to SHARE … be ALIKE… to BELONG  We feel safe with people who ARE LIKE US and we FEEL BETTER when we ARE TOGETHER with them.

Finding things in common with people and aligning with those things is one of the fastest shortcuts to build trust and engagement AND an environment of psychological safety.   

When we take time to Learn, Engage, Align and Partner we’re taking steps to build Connection with People. 

Humans are tribal… having things in COMMON and forming a COMMUNITY REDUCES RISK and SAVES ENERGY, because when people PARTNER TOGETHER to SOLVE PROBLEMS, they can find BETTER SOLUTIONS… Better is found TOGETHER

Research shows we have significantly higher levels of fear and stress when facing a challenge alone… our brain releases two chemicals cortisol and adrenaline that while critical for survival can feel bad, …they’re the root of stress and anxiety and have been called FIGHT OR FLIGHT chemicals

Studies show that when we are TOGETHER with those we CARE ABOUT we FEEL BETTER when facing a challenge. A specific AMPLIFIER chemical in the brain called oxytocin is released, which is linked to the emotions of  love, empathy, trust, and relationship-building.   Oxytocin is the “TEND and BEFRIEND” chemical released when we feel CONNECTION with others

Scientists say CONNECTION can be represented with the words we, us and our and in the phrase “Me Too.” Those words represent “Together”  

It is one thing to be conscious of this, a whole other level to be INTENTIONAL and authentic    taking the steps to find COMMONALITY and MAKE CONNECTION To literally be “Pursuing TOGETHER” —

We can Create a Space for Connection by following four steps (L-E-A-P)…1… LEARN about each other (listen for, look for things in common). 2. ENGAGE with and EMPATHIZE by sharing your own similar views and experiences. 3. ALIGN with those elements in common by AGREEING on their importance and 4.  be seen as a PARTNER and you’ll be invited to PROBLEM-Solve

Now take this tip and REMIND yourself to LOOK FOR what we have in common, to Pursue TOGETHER and recognize that CONNECTION amplifies Engagement … these are the behaviors that make us who we want to be.