A nice read about the importance of connections to an
individual shared by Kent L. Bradley M.D., MBA, MPH – Chief Health and
Nutrition Officer, Herbalife Nutrition
:)
I moved a lot as a child. By the age of nine, I had
lived in six cities. I know what it is like to make a real connection with
another person. Entering a new school and meeting people for the first time can
be unsettling. This doesn’t change as
you grow older. We all want to feel like someone has connected with us.
When I was 16, I moved to another high school. Although
I had made several friends, what I really needed was someone to help me find
direction for my life. Fortunately, I
met a few adults who were genuinely able to establish the kind of connection
that powerfully changes your direction.
Mirror Neurons: Why the Quality of Our
Social Relationships Matter
Making meaningful connections is essential for
any human being to be able to develop their full potential. We are wired to
connect with each other. There is actually a growing body of science that talks
about mirror neurons: how our brains create human connection.
These neurons reflect back an action we observe in
someone else, making us mimic that action or have the impulse to do so. These do-as-she-does
neurons offer a brain mechanism that explains the old lyric, “When you’re
smiling, the whole world smiles with you.”
In other words, our social environment profoundly
shapes us. Our well-being depends greatly on our relationship with
others. It’s a scientific fact that social connections have a positive
impact on our lives.
The quality – and not just the quantity – of our social
relationships matter. Let’s say, you want to become a musician. Wouldn’t you
want to take music classes, under a great music coach, and spend quality time
with fellow musicians?
The Power of Meaningful Connections
Everyone wants to be heard. Yet, our own thoughts and
the activities around us often distract us from truly listening. But the impact
of paying your full attention to someone might just be the key to making a
meaningful connection.
A term that has been used for the ability to pick up on
clues that allow you to quickly establish rapport and connect with another
person is called social intelligence.
A person can have “book smarts,” but can they read another person? Are
they able to understand the story of the person in front of them?
Genuine curiosity makes all the difference. Being
empathetic and curious, attentive to clues, both verbal and nonverbal, helps
establish that meaningful connection. A curious mind will also listen actively
and be truly interested in what you have to say.
Psychologists and researchers such as Daniel Goleman
talk about attunement, the attention that goes beyond momentary
empathy to a full, sustained presence that facilitates rapport.
When we are attuned to someone, we offer our total
attention and listen fully. We seek to understand the other person rather than
just making our own point. This is one of the key qualities of an effective
coach.
How a Coach Helps Someone Reach Their Full
Potential
A coach is someone who has learned the art and science
of establishing a meaningful human connection.
And at Herbalife Nutrition, that’s what our independent
distributors are passionate about learning more about from our team of experts.
Our distributors understand the importance of making meaningful connections and
empowering others. They are equipped with training and skills to help others in
their journey to become better versions of themselves.
Individuals, especially ones who are attempting
difficult goals, sometimes have an internal voice that often is not too
supportive. This can be countered by the coach’s voice of encouragement and
hope.
When coaches are better attuned with their clients,
they have the tremendous ability to synchronize actions, and therefore support
an individual towards more positive outcomes. The good news is that the skill
of attunement can be learned while guided by specific techniques.
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About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
Herbalife Nutrition (NYSE: HLF) is a global company
that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a
business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company
offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by
entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive
community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active
lifestyle. Through the Company's global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife
Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities
around the world.
For more information, please visit
IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.
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