Blog by Tracy Stock, CSP

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital communication often takes precedence over face-to-face interaction, the art of cultivating meaningful connections can seem like a lost art. Take dating today—it often includes sites like Bumble, Tinder, Eharmony, Plenty of Fish, EliteSingles, Match, Facebook Dating, SilverSingles, and Hinge—which happens to have an appealing tagline that touts, “The dating app designed to be deleted.” When crafting a profile for one or more of these sites, the well-intentioned often design a profile that portrays what they think others are looking for, like hiking—which shouldn’t equate to walking up your backyard hill, or golfing—which shouldn’t actually mean the “miniature” kind. Prospective matches are envisioning a completely different person. Then when they finally connect, things don’t work out because they have little to nothing in common (and then we wonder why dating is so hard!?!).

Whether you’re aiming to expand your social circle, build a professional network, or deepen existing friendships, fostering genuine relationships is essential for professional and personal growth. Here are seven strategies to help you more successfully connect with others:

1. Be genuine and authentic. Authenticity is the cornerstone of meaningful connections. Be genuine in your interactions and true to yourself. People are drawn to individuals who are sincere and transparent. Share your passions, interests, and vulnerabilities openly, and encourage others to do the same.
2. Listen actively. Effective communication is a two-way street, and listening is equally important to speaking. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person you’re talking with. Ask open-ended questions, show empathy, and validate their feelings. Demonstrating genuine interest in others helps foster trust and strengthens relationships.
3. Display empathy and understanding. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Try to understand another person’s perspective by putting yourself in his/her shoes. Show compassion and support, especially during challenging times. By demonstrating empathy, you can build deeper connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
4. Find common ground. Shared interests and experiences form the foundation of many meaningful connections. Look for common ground with others, whether it’s a hobby, passion, or life experience. Shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie and belonging, fostering a stronger bond between individuals.
5. Be trustworthy and reliable. Trust is essential in any relationship, whether personal or professional. Establish a solid foundation of trust built on mutual respect and reliability. Follow through on commitments, respect others’ time and boundaries, and demonstrate integrity in your actions.
6. Maintain open communication. Communication is imperative to maintaining healthy relationships. Communicate candidly, expressing your thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully. Address any conflicts or misunderstandings promptly, and strive to find mutually satisfying resolutions.
7. Invest time and effort. Building meaningful connections requires time and effort. Invest in nurturing relationships by spending quality time together, whether it’s through regular meetups, phone calls, or virtual chats. Show appreciation for others and celebrate milestones and achievements together.

Whether seeking your true soulmate or aspiring to collaborate better with a colleague, ditch the endless [dating] games and instead cultivate meaningful connections with authenticity, patience and genuine effort. Don’t display untrue traits; instead, honestly put forth your best self, apply the strategies shared above, and add connections versus delete them.