Take It Personal

"When we say to someone, 'Don't take it personal', we negate that individual's feelings. People pour a large percentage of themselves and their time into their work. It is virtually impossible for it not to be personal."

James K. McPartland

A set of underlying, yet unasked questions exists in our communication with others, and their communication with us:

• Do you see me?

• Do you care that I am here?

• Am I enough?

• Does the way you talk to me communicate that I'm special?

When the silent answers to unasked questions are "yes", the relationship grows stronger, and the work we do with others becomes more meaningful and magnificent. If the answers are "no", we (or they) become disconnected, and both the work and relationship suffer.

We can all get by in life and business without connection... at least temporarily. However, if we want the work and the relationships to thrive, we have to connect. A connection is not based on how much time we spend with someone or what we do with them. A connection is made by being present, and authentically answering the other person's unasked questions-- even if you never knew the questions were being asked.