“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” – A Book Review

John Maxwell, known as one of the world’s most respected leadership experts, recently released his latest book, Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.  As is the case with many of his books, this one is written in an easy style that feels conversational and engaging, yet it makes hard-hitting point after point.

The book starts by making the case for its title.  There’s a lot of noise and chatter out there, and it’s difficult to filter through and be heard clearly, accurately and with intention.  The issue for us all, though, is that we must find a way to connect to people if we want to have any influence with them.  Connection is key, and without it, we have no ability to impact others.

This is a point for us all to consider, but it’s critical for leaders.  Without connection, you’d have no influence.  Without influence, you’d have no followers.  Without followers, I’ve heard it said, “you’re just a person taking a walk.”

Maxwell helps us to better understand “connecting” by providing five principles for us to consider:

Connecting increases your influence

Connecting is all about others

Connecting goes beyond words

Connecting requires energy

Connecting is more skill than natural talent

 

For each principle (each of which has its own chapter) Maxwell reinforces the principle with anecdotes, data, quotes and input from people who have commented on his blog.  His arrangement of these concepts is simple to understand and consistent with his values-based approach on leadership.  (And I love how he leveraged social media “connections” to add to his writing!)

Once the principles of connecting are established, Maxwell goes on to help us ‘do the work’ by detailing five practices that can help us to connect:

Connect on common ground

Keep it simple

Create an enjoyable experience

Inspire people

Live what you communicate

 

Not only does he again clearly reinforce his points, but he also provides another level of valuable insight.  After each practice has been defined and demonstrated, Maxwell explains how to apply that principle to one-on-one situations, group settings, or speaking engagements to larger audiences.  He makes fabulous distinctions and provides great ideas for us to further connect in each scenario.

There’s one anecdote Maxwell shares in this book that I appreciate, in particular.  He tells the story of a man in his audience who comments to Maxwell after he’s just finished speaking.  The man explains that he’s heard Maxwell before and thinks that his messages are “simple.”  Maxwell quickly agrees with him, but adds that it’s the consistent application that can be more difficult.

That’s what I love about this book.  It’s not rocket science; in fact, Maxwell makes it fairly simple.  Some of Maxwell’s points may not even be new to you.  But what’s great is how he’s packaged it – in an organized manner that makes sense and has flow…and helps you to apply the concepts.  He includes stories and data that make the points memorable, and he shares enough of his own personal experience to make it engaging.

The point is that he follows his own rules.  He doesn’t just communicate the points of the book.  He connects with us as he’s doing it.  He models it for us throughout the book, and at the same time, helps us all to believe that we, too, can do it!

This is a great book with excellent points and “to-do’s” for us all.  I found it to be an enjoyable and quick read…now filled with dog-eared pages and highlighted text for future reference.  I recommend that every business-person reads it, whether it be for new content or an excellent refresher.  Regardless, communication is the key to greater success, and we can all benefit from better communication and deeper connections.

If you’d like to receive a free copy of Everyone Communicates, Few Connect signed by John Maxwell, please leave a comment here and explain what impact you think this book could have on you or the people around you.  At the end of this month, I’ll pick five winners and will send them the book (did I mention that it’s been signed by Maxwell?!?!)

Erin Schreyer is President of Sagestone Partners, a firm specializing in Leadership and Talent Management.  Erin is a certified Coach, as well as a certified Strengths Trainer.  Her focus is on helping leaders – even great ones! – maximize the impact they have on people, as well as business results.  For more information, visit www.sagestone-partners.com or reach out to Erin directly at eschreyer@sagestone-partners.com