Are you an Apple person or a PC person? This simple question was all it took to spark a meaningful three-hour conversation on a flight. As I settled into my first-class seat, energized after a week-long retreat in Arizona, I noticed the businessman next to me stowing away his iPad. My mind immediately jumped to the endless challenges I’d been having trying to edit videos on my new Mac computer. I’ve always been PC but it seems the more people I talk to the more benefits I head about Mac and I do love my iphone and ipad. Before I could overthink it, I decided to take a chance and ask this stranger for his take – Mac or PC?
Little did I know that this casual icebreaker would lead to one of the most fascinating conversations I’ve had in awhile. It turned out my seatmate was a longtime successful software developer in Silicon Valley. We covered everything from building online communities to overcoming the learning curve with new technology. I walked away feeling inspired, motivated, and connected – from a single question.
I don’t have to tell you how rare it is these days to have such rich, open dialogues with strangers, especially since COVID. We’re often buried in our devices, tuned out to the people and potential stories surrounding us everywhere we go. But moments like the one I had on that plane reinforce why human connection is so vital for growth, perspective, and meaning. Conversations with people outside our usual circles can challenge assumptions, spark ideas, and unlock empathy. As much as technology has improved life in many ways, there’s no replacement for looking someone in the eye and engaging with their unique story. This is the prime reason I love coaching and why I advocate to coaching to accompany well being programs to my enterprise clients. Everyone can google things and watch YouTube videos but that personal conversation is well – priceless.
Stepping outside our comfort zones leads to unexpected personal growth. Everything is difficult before it becomes easy – whether learning to edit videos or striking up conversations with strangers. But magic happens when we push past the awkwardness and forge ahead anyway. It not only gets easier with practice, but it’s also usually more rewarding than we imagine.
From work meetings to parties to flights, opportunities surround us every day for making new connections. So, if you are out of practice, I want to give you a few practical tips for getting back in the saddle:
1. Ask Good Questions . What’s a good question? Open-ended questions. They will spark dialogue rather than yes or no answers. It also allows you to get curious about people’s stories and perspectives.
2. Listen More Than You Speak. Conversations aren’t one-sided. Focus on understanding where others are coming from.
3. Give Specific Compliments. If you notice something genuine about someone, share it. It feels good and builds trust.
4. Share Vulnerabilities. Being open helps others feel safe opening up too.
Now I have to admit I wasn’t always this brave. For a long time, I was quite the wall flower and was intimidated by initiating conversations. But when I started emulating friends (one in particular my husband has dubbed Barbara Walters LOL) things started to flow and I loved the connections I made. What I found was meaningful dialogue enriched my life so much.
Had I let my shyness take over on that plane, I would’ve missed out on an uplifting exchange that gave me fresh inspiration and insights I continue reflecting on. Our fast-paced, high-tech age comes with many conveniences but also makes it easy to remain anonymous strangers. As we increasingly work and socialize remotely, I want to encourage you today to make an effort to truly connect with people different from yourself because it matters more now than ever.
After all, our well-being doesn’t hinge solely on health and happiness; it’s interdependent with the quality of our relationships and alignment with personal purpose. You’ll find that conversation opens up new understanding about not only ourselves but how we relate to each other. Even a brief genuine interaction can restore your spirit, open your minds, clarify your direction.
So, the next time you feel hesitation in reaching out to a stranger, remind yourself of my experience and realize that we’re all fellow travelers going through this crazy adventure called life. We weren’t meant to figure it all out alone. Who knows what wisdom someone might unexpectedly offer or what inspiring friendship awaits, if only we say hello.
