Activity: Developing High Quality Connections

You are attending a professional conference and register for one of the networking events. The first activity invites pairs of delegates to meet for 45 minutes to get to know each other. You are matched with Tom, one of the delegates.

Shortly after the introductions, Tom asks you about your workplace. You begin to share and notice that Tom interrupts you as he describes his workplace.

Tom then asks you about your approach and beliefs about leadership. You notice that moments after you start answering his question that Tom interrupts you by expressing his leadership style and the importance about listening and leading staff.

Tom asks why you decided to attend this conference. You release two words from your mouth and Tom's cell rings. He picks up the call and gestures as he raises his hand, he'll be a moment.  

It appears that Tom cuts his call short, comes back to the discussion and continues to talk about his workplace in great detail with the remaining 20 minutes.

• What is the narrative running through your mind?
• Have you made any assumptions about Tom?
• How would you describe Tom’s listening skills and ability to create trust?

Think about those questions for a moment before clicking the next button below to find out how to build HCQs.