109 responses so far ↓

• 1 Larry H // Nov 2, 2009 at 12:33 am

  John,
  I really enjoyed this chapter. As a speaker and pastor, this is the part I struggle with the most. How do I connect? How do I implore people to action and not simply polite assent.
  I have found the greatest way to do this is to begin with a level of honesty and vulnerability. To let peoplw know that no matter what you have to say, you have been in their shoes, you too struggle with faith, with perseverance, with putting the other guy’s interest first. This to me is a vital part of creating the trust needed to eventually inspire.

  Also, a quick comment on the end of this chapter. For me, it ended a bit flat (and .. i have nothing against WIll Smith!) After all the great examples and challenge – instead of leaving me ready to act, it left me with a “that was nice” feeling. Perhaps some re-arranging or a more powerful closing story is needed.

  Blessings as always,

  Larry H

• 2 Joanna Holman // Nov 2, 2009 at 12:50 am

  For the bit about the inspiring coaches/teachers it might be good to tell us WHY these people were inspiring. What specifically did they do that made the difference?

• 3 Walt Kean // Nov 2, 2009 at 1:06 am

  I have been a basketball ref for ten years, did a little college but mainly only high school is what I did. You would work with some college refs and you knew that because 1)they would tell you the game they had the night before in college and 2)for some reason think they were the “better” ref that night because they work college. I always said to myself that I would never become that person…so I work some college games but never talked about it so finally one day a fellow ref said to me “I know you work college games but I wanted to tell you that I knew that not because you told me but it was because you actions told me you were.”

  Few years later I was chosen to be one of the “state” basketball refs that year. Meaning I was one of the best 12 in the state that year…I did not think my world would change much on the court but you would be suprised how many players and coaches come to watch the state tournaments, so the follow year my thoughts, my opinons, or the way I ref was view on a higher level now just because I went to state.

  So, do your best because its your best! No other reasons behind it! The cream always rises to the top…not because of you but because its a fact!

• 4 Lokesh S // Nov 2, 2009 at 1:24 am

  Dear John

  Your writing and background inspires me deeply, there awesome amount of practicality filled deep principles. Great to read this.

  I work for a small computing firm in Mumbai, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The president of this company hired me while I was out of job. His words was little tough ‘You don’t have a job, you can’t negotiate salary with me’. And then he said, ‘If I were you I would just join’, I found those words very inspiring and joined his company. It has so turned out that this job has been my longest experience.
  Your definition of leadership as influence is also something that can be applied to this scenario.

  Thanks for your writing and life, they blend the sacred and secular seemlessly.

  Love and Blessings,
  Lokesh

• 5 Sue Cartun // Nov 2, 2009 at 1:39 am

  Ah – good chapter. Thanks so much. Especially meaningful for me was the section:“People Need to Know That You Have High Expectations of Them”.

  This is critically important if you do want them to take action. Additionally, they must know you have high expectations of yourself.

  Growing up with a father who demonstrated exuberant confidence as well as continued and varied success taught me the value of “high expectations”. He never failed to challenge his four girls. His way was to “expect” that we would succeed in anything we strived to do. If we brought home a paper graded 97%, we knew he’d ask why we didn’t receive 100%. Even a paper marked with an “A”, we’d half expect him to ask why we didn’t get an “A+”! Later, with his encouragement, we continued to achieve.

  Whatever we chose to do, his expectations were always that we would succeed. We believed we could accomplish anything, because he believed we would. It was heady stuff! And I am forever grateful for his confidence and “high expectations”.

• 6 marvin quianzon // Nov 2, 2009 at 1:56 am

  first time to read this 2010 book slice. this is a nice chapter. love the crowdsourcing idea.

  the four questions almost prevented me from writing a comment.

  I think you have opened yourself here. thank you for sharing. I agree that trust must be there to be able to communicate and hopefully connect. because without it it is so easy to put him or her out of someones quality world.
  money cant buy trust.

• 7 Brad Cork // Nov 2, 2009 at 3:39 am

  I love the concept of this book as connection is something I struggled with as a professional speaker. I could tell the audience liked what I said and they were involved in the presentations and would leave talking about positive change they were going to make in their lives. Great feedback from their manages as well….

  And yet when I was talking in a conference with a number of other speakers I could tell I was still missing something in the connection stakes…. it was me… my material didn’t have enough of me in it… from a vulnerability point of view…

  As I have read the last couple of chapters I have thought these are great and important points for those who are going to connect, but you can do them without connecting.

  I think connecting has a lot to do with letting who you are influence everything you do.

  I know you have said similar in other parts of the book… maybe it would be good if you could slip a continuation of this theme into these last two chapters.

  Thanks for the privilege of reading the book as you write it.

  Be blessed.

• 8 uberVU - social comments // Nov 2, 2009 at 5:48 am

  Social comments and analytics for this post…

  This post was mentioned on Twitter by GeoffWasserman: John Maxwell: Connectors Inspire People http://bit.ly/1hWSVt…

• 9 Gail MCKenzie // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:22 am

  What They Know + What They See + What They Feel = Inspiration

  This will forever change my view of motivation

• 10 Chaplain Steph // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:59 am

  Very good word. One strong point is the Vision with Passion. A passionate vision is one borne from experience. As a corrections and law enforcement Chaplain I cannot bring to the “audience” that which I’ve not experienced, suffered, overcome and gained victory. The passion of the message is indeed what you believe and what you truly believe is something you’ve truly walked out. Communicate what you know – what every fiber of your being knows.

• 11 Barb Giglio // Nov 2, 2009 at 9:37 am

  Good morning! What a great chapter to wake up to! I have so many thoughts running through my head after reading this chapter. Don’t know which to write first… It’s so important to be a happy person and there are so many people today that just are not for one reason or another. We have a sign that hangs over our back door in our eat in kitchen that says, “All because two people fell in love”, it’s there for us as a reminder to us and everyone who comes to our home that we have what we have because of our choice to loven one another. Then when you walk out that door there is another sign that says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” that’s my favorite one because it assures me when we are obedient to God’s ways we will have happiness and all the goodness of God.

  This month my husband has finally returned to work after 20 long months of no work. He does landrestoration and with the economical situation his contracts came to a halt. We’ve had to choose to believe things would get better, stay sincere, true and not loose sight of who we really are so we could connect with our kids and those around us. While reading this chapter I was thinking, imagine if in every family everyone put themselves a side to encourage one another? Or lived to meet the needs of one another to make a difference for each other? I believe it starts at home and goes with you out side of the home. You have to have a happy spirit to be contagious and make someone else happy. I love the part of this chapter on gratitude. I think people like you who do “something” with the gratitude you feel is what makes you different. It puts value on your life and those in your life and I love that. The choice to show gratitude builds others up and gives them a reason to feel good about what they do. So very important. This is a great book and I wish it was coming out now, I’d give everyone one for Christmas!! Thank you again for the privilege to read and input a head of time. God bless you always.

  Barb Giglio

• 12 Michael Ray // Nov 2, 2009 at 10:13 am

  I especially appreciate the stories you use to illustrate your books. I guess I’ll have to add this one to my large “John Maxwell collection.”

• 13 Keith brown // Nov 2, 2009 at 10:21 am

  John,

  This was a very enlighting and inspiring chapter. You always wonder why some people touch you more than others and now I have the answer. Thanks again.

  Keith brown

• 14 Danny Simon // Nov 2, 2009 at 10:27 am

  “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams
  I love this quote!
  What I like about this chapter is how you talk about passion. I remember listening to the Injoy leadership audio lesson where you talk about passion. It was quite good where you had talked about the passion killers.

  and you are right again when you say that passion supercedes the words that you speak.

  Just started reading a book by John Adair where he quotes,
  The two great movers of the human mind are the desire of good and the fear of evil. – Samuel Johnson
  I think in order to inspire people just like the quote says here you have to communicate on the desire of good or on the fear of evil.
  Once again an amazing chapter! I had commented before also and I think its really takes a lot of courage to let us read on the chapters much in advance before the book is released even! Then again you are a leader and a leader is always courageous! All the best!

• 15 Alison C. // Nov 2, 2009 at 10:34 am

  I just LOVE the story about Geri Stevens and the following questions… and really I think these are questions that we can ask ourselves before we take the ‘platform’ to speak, share, inspire others. (Of course, that ‘platform’ could just be walking down the street, being at a social event with friends/family, speaking to a small or large group AND can be about anything… sales, motivation, sharing the Gospel!)

  I do also agree with Larry H. on the ending of the chapter… maybe repeating the ACT acronym one last time will bring the concept together “Inspiration doesn’t end at the end of the talk, but leads the listeners on to Apply, Change and Teach!”

• 16 Mark Ralls // Nov 2, 2009 at 11:49 am

  Great chapter John & company.

  As you said; One of the keys to Inspire people is: We must exhibit PASSION. One definition of passion is “Boundless enthusiasm”.

  One night several years ago my wife and I had friends over for dinner. After dinner, John asked about our new business we had just begun a few weeks before. An hour later my wife interrupted me and said, Mark maybe they would like to talk also. John told her to not worry about it, I was just showing my excitement & passion for our new business.

  Mark

• 17 Lydia Maria Gonzalez Dr0ss // Nov 2, 2009 at 2:27 pm

  This is the most profund chapter read. The Bible was written through the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost. It is to bring hope to the hurting world. It is to inspire, encourage and connect our spirit with the Spirit of God. God brings people to our path to encourage us, to inspire us, to be mentors, to bring correction- all so that we complete our assignment for His glorious Kingdom

• 18 Al White // Nov 2, 2009 at 2:48 pm

  Your first paragraph:
  “Bill Hybels, the founder of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, hosts a Leadership Summit every year which seventy thousand people attend either in person or via satellite link. It is always a powerful and impacting event for church leaders, and I have had the privilege of speaking at it from time to time. In 2008, when Bill spoke during the closing session, his talk was on the importance of leaders inspiring others. He started his session by asking the following:”

  My suggestion for a first paragraph re-write:

  “Every year seventy thousand people attend a powerful Leadership Summit hosted by Bill Hybels, the founder of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. I have had the privilege of speaking at this event from time to time. In 2008, when Bill spoke during the closing session, his talk was on the importance of leaders inspiring others. He started his session by asking:”

  I replaced “via” with “by” because the Latin word has a fuzzy definition in English, replaced some “which” with “that”, and took out the word “impacting” because it is such a clumsy word. Wisdom teeth become impacted and have to be removed; why would people want to be “impacted” ? We want to be changed, not diseased.

  I assume that your final version of this chapter will include a call to action; I have to agree with Larry H that the Will Smith quote is good, but it does not elicit a response. Here is how I would edit that last little bit:

  “The true test of inspiration isn’t people’s applause; it’s their actions. That’s what makes a difference. If you want to connect, look for a way to inspire. Bring out the best in people with a few carefully chosen words, a realistic plan of action, and an expectation of excellence.”

• 19 Raul dela Rosa // Nov 2, 2009 at 3:09 pm

  Thanks John for another great chapter in connecting. You hit right on the mark about passion. A speaker without passion becomes a very dull moment for the audience.

• 20 Michelle Swallow // Nov 2, 2009 at 3:23 pm

  Hi John – what a great idea and a wonderful example of the power of collaboration.

  Anyway my comments are as follows:
  In 3rd paragraph under heading connectors inspire people you have written “I played basketball with greater intensity under Coach Neff then I did under Coach Shaw. ” and I think the word ‘then’ is a typo and should be ‘than’.

  In the 3rd paragraph under heading People Need To Know that You Understand Them you have written “Communicators who connect know what actress Lisa Kirk did” and I think a comma should be inserted after connect.

  In the 4th paragraph under the same heading you have written “As a result, they built Liberty ships in an astounding seventy-two days, while other shipyards did it on average in twice the time.” but it may sound better if you wrote “As a result, they built Liberty ships in an astounding seventy-two days, while other shipyards took on average, twice the time.”

  At the end of the 2nd paragraph under the heading What are they saying you wrote “Even the right thing said in the wrong situation won’t connect.” but it may read better to say “Even if the right thing is said, if it’s said in the wrong situation it won’t connect.”

  In paragraph 7, under the heading, People Need To Know that You Have High Expectations of Them you wrote “One of the reasons I do that is that I’m naturally positive. ” which may read better if written as “One of the reasons I do this is because I’m naturally positive.” This also reminds me of something which was mentioned in my church on Sunday evening, it was mentioned that in our church we are privileged to have world class teaching. (In fact you yourself have been a speaker at our church. ) However, with world class teaching comes world class responsibilities i.e. we can’t just be taught and not do anything with it. We must rise to the challenge that has been set.

  In paragraph 8 under the same heading you wrote “Otherwise, we come across the way presidential candidate Walter Mondale did during his campaign. ” your readers in the USA may know who this person is but many of your readers are international and may not so perhaps you could elaborate a little and reference the year of his campaign e.g. “Otherwise, we come across the way one of the USA presidential candidates Walter Mondale did during his 2008 campaign.” or whichever year is appropriate.

  Under the heading “People Need To See Your Credibility” you wrote “However, because of my background as a minister, I’ve also have a lot of experience of speaking to essentially the same people week after week for many years” in which there is a typo “I’ve” should be “I”

  In paragraph 3 under the heading”People Need to Feel Your Passion for the Subject and Them ” you wrote “This is why Horst Schultze, founding president and former COO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company” but what is a COO – perhaps brackets stating what the abbreviation is may help some of your readers who don’t know. I would take a guess at a COO is similar to a CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

  More comments to come when I’ve read it all.

• 21 dawncheri farrell // Nov 2, 2009 at 3:47 pm

  ” continually inspire others ” you say……… no problem- Its Natural- & a part of Gods plan. Put it this way, everything in this world answers to light – the birds ,the bee’s and the trees. So enlighten! Shine! – that IS the way to reflect Gods glory story. Inspiration in essense is light – Shine on.

• 22 Doug Wilson // Nov 2, 2009 at 4:12 pm

  John, another wonderful chapter. I loved the way you unpacked how the storytelling auto worker made the connection to his audience.

  Two stories came to mind when reading the section on “People Need to See Your Conviction” and “People Need to Feel Your Passion for the Subject and Them.”

  1. Two versions of the same account of David Hume:

  David Hume, the Scottish skeptic in philosophy, was seen running at 5 a.m. one morning to hear George Whitefield preach. Someone asked him if he believed what the preacher preached, and he replied, “No, but he does!”

  David Hume was a great skeptic and condemned much of that which the Christian holds dear. One day, as he was rushing through the streets of his city, hurriedly putting on his raincoat, someone stopped him and said, “Mr. Hume, where are you going in such a hurry?” “To hear George Whitefield,” came the answer. Utterly surprised, the questioner asked, “Why, you don’t believe what Mr. Whitefield does, do you?” “Certainly not!” came the answer. “But Whitefield does, and I want to hear a man who does.”

  2. From John R.W. Stott, Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today, p. 285:

  W. E. Sangster “was once a member of a selectiton panel who were interviewing applicants for the Methodist ministry, when a rather nervous young man presented himself. Given an opportunity to speak, this candidate said he felt he ought to explain that he was rather shy and was not the sort of person who would ever set the River Thames on fire, that is, create a stir in the city. ‘My dear young brother,’ responded Dr. Sangster with consummate wisdom, ‘I’m not interested to know if you could set the Thames on fire. What I want to know is this: if I picked you up by the scruff of your neck and dropped you into the Thames, would it sizzle?’ ”

• 23 Peter G. James Sinclair // Nov 2, 2009 at 4:14 pm

  God plants dreams in your heart – and as I read your 10 year anniversary letter I was encouraged. For I have just embarked once again with a dream that I have dusted off – the staging of a commercial musical based upon a best selling book that has already inspired millions – and in the pursuit of that dream I am wanting to use my example to inspire others to ‘dust off their dreams’.

  It is early days yet as we have only just launched our worldwide search to find a producer that can assist me in taking this musical to the major stages of the world – but as I am connecting with people all over the world – particularly using social media as my first connect point – I am grateful that I still have life and love in my body to go again – and with God’s help I know that I can fulfil the dream that He laid on my heart over a decade ago.

• 24 Sara Canaday // Nov 2, 2009 at 6:16 pm

  As with past chapters, I was inspired and impressed with your substantive approach to, what some consider, the softer side of effective leadership/sales/speaking skills. I do have the following thoughts:

  Expectations Section
  Consider replacing your sentence that reads, “If we trust people as they become…” with the actual quote conveying the same concept. “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  What People Need To See
  Expand on the idea that if you only have one shot, you can at least elevate your chances of being “believed”, by how you “show up”. Are you on time, well groomed, well prepared, and dressed appropriately for the industry, audience, and your area of expertise.

  What People Feel
  People not only need to feel your gratitude for them, but also your respect for the time and attention. I think “respect” is just as important in this section as “gratitude”.

  In this section, you have a sentence that is very similar to the quote by Maya Angelou. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

  Thanks for the opportunity to participate John. I’m thoroughly enjoying this experience.

• 25 Erin Wilcynski // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:20 pm

  Wow. I haven’t had a chance to read any of the previous chapters, but I love what I’ve read so far, and am excited for the full book to come out! Also loving the idea of “crowd sourcing”.

  I believe it to be absolutely true that everybody does communicate, though not everyone connects. There’s not a single person who doesn’t communicate in a variety of ways – through words, behavior, body language, etc. Though we all communicate in some way, on the surface- we often fail to connect with others at a deeper level. A few definitions of ‘connect’ are to become joined or united; to establish rapport or relationship; relate. How many people are we each doing that with personally? How often do we even realize when we don’t? Why? Because we don’t care about people? I don’t think that’s the case with most people. I think it’s more often because we often don’t choose to be intentional about HOW we communicate. Words and behaviors usually flow out of us, without us giving them a lot of forethought. I love that you’re here challenging everyone to start thinking about it.

  People are inspired by what they know, see, and feel. Awesome. People are observant. Someone wise once said, ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’. Very true. People notice if you are excited or apathetic, nervous or confident. It comes out in everything you do. And people respond accordingly. Attitude is contagious. Communicating, connecting, and inspiring has to get intentional if we want it to have the affect that we want.

  It truly is more often the little things that rank huge with people. For instance, when people are attempting to connect with me, the first, and most important, thing I notice is eye contact. If they seem distracted, with eyes wandering, I often take it as being disinterested in what I’m saying, and find it a huge barrier in connection from my end. If you care what the person has to say – don’t just listen. Show that you are listening with your actions. Show that you care. Show that you believe. Just as the old saying goes, actions often speak louder than words.

  Passion also speaks quite loudly. Passion is powerful. It is deeper than emotion. Emotions are based on circumstances. Emotions are temporary. Passion is rooted in something so much deeper. Passion is not easily shaken. Passion can be felt. Passion can be seen. Because passion isn’t something you can hold in. And it is not something that goes without action. Communicating plain information sings a completely different tune than one that comes straight from the heart. It creates a completely different atmosphere. So once the people are inspired, it should always conclude with a call to action; a transfer of the passion. Stirring of the heart alone does very little in comparison with compelling them to act on it. That which is in the heart, but not acted upon does no one any good.

  So, on our journey to become communicators who really connect, Jesus (of course) is our greatest example. As He walked the earth, He was intentional about connecting with people. He met them exactly where they were. He was genuinely interested. He truly cared about each person & everything that was going on in their lives. He was confident in who He was. He believed in those He talked with. He was passionate. He inspired people. He taught them how to apply it. He had high expectations. He challenged them to go to new levels. He called people to action. Amazing. Let us all strive to be more like that.

  What an incredible job, as always, Mr. Maxwell. And beyond all of that, a huge thank you for not only being a motivational “speaker”, but a motivational “teacher” for us all. Thank you so much for all that you do!

  Erin Wilcynski

• 26 Heidi Kraft // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:24 pm

  Hi John,

  First of all, thank you for sharing your work with us and for allowing others to share in the process. I was thrilled when I found your website and see how you’re co-creating this book. It’s a true testament to “walking the talk” by inspiring others to communicate. You inspired me to share a story.

  A few years ago I was asked to speak on a panel to a group of MBA graduates on the topic of how to “Profit from Passion”. I had recently left my high paying job as an ad exec to pursue my passion of becoming a professional leadership development coach and helping people become more successful in their careers. I had finally become clear on what inspired me and taken the leap!

  While I was very flattered that I was sought out to speak about my passion in this field, I was also aware that I was new to the field and not at the level of profit that I felt I should be at in order to be deemed as an “expert” on this topic. It’s funny what we make up about what things mean isn’t it?

  Anyway, I almost declined the speaking gig because I didn’t feel “qualified”.

  I’m so thankful I didn’t.

  What changed my mind was thinking about all the inspiring speakers that I’d heard throughout the years and realizing that the ones that stuck with me were those that told their story ….their true story, from the heart, with authenticity. When they shared their stories of what made them who they are today, I connected with the humanness of the experience (the good the bad, the successes and failures), the commitment that they had to their dream, passion and vision and their ability to take risks that hold many people back.

  And for the first time I realized that I had done that myself. That it would be a crime NOT to share my story so that others could learn from my experience. It felt great to look at it that way. As you described, I was already passionate about the subject but what I needed to do was to connect with the passion that I had for them as well.

  So I told my story from my heart in the best way that I knew how. I held the vision for each and every one of them that they were on to a new and amazing chapter and that they each had the potential to manifest the career of their dreams like I had done – just like I do when I coach my clients. (While I didn’t think of them with a “10” on their head specifically like you did, I will next time ☺).

  I felt I was there simply as an instrument for their learning.

  That felt great. Coming from a place of gratitude, understanding, seeing, and wanting so much for them made me connect on such a different level. I know that it felt so much more rewarding for me. And many sought me out afterward and told me that it was for them. In fact, I’m 99% certain that I even heard the word “inspired”.

  I know it’s a personal story. But it’s one that I will always remember. And you helped me put some of the pieces to the process of what shifted for me that I hadn’t thought about in that light before.

  Thank you!

• 27 Jim Ericson // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  John – I’m new to this conversation, but figure there’s no time like NOW to jump in.

  I’ve always believed that if you are going to inspire others, your heart must be the first part of you to “arrive at the party.”

  An great example of this, I think, is a story about Ben Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and perhaps the most inspiring person I’ve had the good fortune to meet and work with. I posted this story in my Conversation Kindling blog awhile back and share the essence of it here.

  “In early 2000, I was involved in planning and conducting a three day conference for an international bank. We hired Ben to give the opening keynote, which took place right before dinner on the first night. Ben’s presentation was a rousing success, of course. But, it was what happened before he even registered at the hotel that clearly demonstrates what I mean when I say he shows up as a human being.

  “I met Ben’s limo when it arrived at the front entrance to the hotel. After he stepped out, we exchanged pleasantries, corralled his luggage, and headed for the lobby. Once inside, we bumped into 20 or 30 of our conference’s attendees who were milling around as they waited to register. It was what Ben did at that point that helped me understand why he moves people so deeply. He said – out loud so that everyone could hear – ‘Are these my students?’ When I confirmed his notion, he said ‘Ahhh! There you are!’ He followed that by wading into the crowd and asking folks to tell him their name, where they were from, and so forth.

  “There is a great lesson here that should not be missed. Whenever we walk into a room full of people – or simply greet one other person – we have a choice: we can feel, think, and behave in a way that says, ‘Here I am!’ or we can do it in a way – Ben’s way – that says ‘Ahhh! There you are!’ “

• 28 Barry Cameron // Nov 2, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  Another great chapter, John. Two great illustrations immediately came to mind. First, what took place last November as a senator from Chicago, IL, inspired a nation (and many would say the world) with all of the things you mention in your chapter that great communicators will do. The second was Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture he crafted for his kids and it became a YouTube phenomenon and a NY Times Bestselling book. Just a couple of word pictures to help you make your points. Sure appreciate not only what you’re doing on this book but also how you’re doing it. God bless!

• 29 Anonymous // Nov 2, 2009 at 9:43 pm

  John,
  I enjoyed the chapter my favorite line is …What They Know + What They See + What They Feel = Inspiration

  It sums up connecting with others no matter who you are connecting with.

• 30 Monica Allen // Nov 2, 2009 at 9:58 pm

  Bill Hybels comment on motivation and employees in the workplace is very true, but I wonder how much of the motivation is intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Is it natural for certain personality types to be more motivated? Or, for other persons to be more motivated because of the aesthetics of their environment, their fun-loving boss, or their emotional support they receive in the office from co-workers. I really do wonder what are the specific differences amongst persons who are more motivated than others who are less motivated. And, also ask the question, what constitutes a person’s motivation?

  I also believe that the key to effective communication is providing employees pertinent take a ways that will last with them forever and forever and be memorable. Essentially, what is imporant is engaging persons to the point they want more and are hungry for information is one method to being a successful communicator.

  I enjoyed reading this chapter. I can’t wait for more to come.

  Thank you for the opportunity!

  Monica R. Allen, Phd

• 31 Doug Renze // Nov 2, 2009 at 10:12 pm

  Dr. Maxwell -

  One of the things I truly enjoy about reading your work is that it’s the same message you deliver when I listen to you on audio or when I see you live. Bravissimo.

  For me, the linchpin of this chapter was your story about Abraham Lincoln’s comment regarding the pastor’s sermon, coupled with your Steve Jobs quote on leadership. That’s the one takeaway for me tonight. Of course, when I read it again tomorrow, I’m certain something else will stand out.

  You give your “A-C-T” lesson toward the end of the chapter. This is something from your teachings that I’ve applied over the years with great success; I would suggest that you consider giving it a greater weight, as it’s potentially one of the most important lessons in this chapter.

• 32 John Sanabria // Nov 2, 2009 at 11:36 pm

  Amazing chapter. I have skimmed anterior chapters but this one is really inspirational. I’ll buy your book.

• 33 Amanda Bouldin // Nov 3, 2009 at 12:44 am

  Mr. Maxwell, you have “said the right word at the right time.” Your ability to motivate to action has proven itself once again. I Thank you.
  This is the first time I have been led to write publically what I am passionate about. I love connecting with people! I love to watch their countenance change as our conversation progresses. I love to hear hope come from their mouth by the end of our conversation, and I love to ask questions that lead to a response.
  I must admit, taking the step out to write boldly about a passion to encourage and connect with people, and a love for being used in the lives of others is an “action” inspired by this chapter. A confirmation. I have never put what I am passionate about into words outside of my journals.

  “I can’t think of a single connector who doesn’t care about his listeners. Self-centered people don’t usually connect.”

  As a natural connector passionate about encouraging others to live a life in Christ, this resonated with me. I never want my motives to be selfish.
  “Ultimately, each of us should strive to be the message.”
  Never do I want my gift of connecting with others to be in vein, so there is a constant searching of the heart.
  More than being entertaining, more than being captivating, this chapter has simplified the goals in connecting with people. As a leader in ministry who needs to build teams, this will be so helpful in pouring into the team. No matter their roles we are in the people business.

  “If you get an opportunity to communicate to others, why not be that someone who inspires them?”

  Why would I wait another minute?

  I believe this is the best chapter I have read. Maybe it is the right time, maybe I have found the confidence you mention, maybe today is the day, but regardless, I am the person who awaits the promises Calvin Miller mentions. I know I am hungry for revelation and for someone to connect with me, encourage me, inspire me to be the best communicating connector God has predestined me to be, and I look forward to the part in my seemingly ordinary day where I speak to others who also await for the promises Calvin Miller speak of for their own lives. You have reminded me.
  And as it is written in Daniel 2, “there is a God in heaven who reveals his mysteries.” Mr. Maxwell, he has revealed to you mysteries in this chapter. Thank you.

• 34 david seow // Nov 3, 2009 at 1:29 am

  Hi John, nice to share with you.

  1.I think there is typo error under heading “people need to see evidence of your character”:

  The good teachers explain (not demonstrate),
  the great teachers inspire students.

  2. Passion: I like the word passion. However, I wish to put in like:
  “Vision without passion is like picture without motion” (note:good motion of picture
  to create impact on the picture). As some time, when slow motion of picture will show
  you some drastic impact, and some fast motion picture will show other impact.

  3. Kind: “speak kindly, care deeply and love generously”

  A good connector has to show the above characters. Because of the act by the connector,
  people will able to build trust on the connector. Kind is linked to gratitude, love is
  linked with passion etc…

  4. What they know + what they feel + what they feel = Inspiration

  I would like to add one more is what act (do)

  what they know + what they feel + what they feel + what they act = Inspiration

  (note: the action part is important, as in your later paragraph, the action plan
  is covered)

• 35 vskumar // Nov 3, 2009 at 1:42 am

  Dr Maxwell,
  This chapter is pretty practical. I liked the formulla of Inspiration and short note on ACT.
  great.

  with gratitude

  v s kumar
  Mumbai-Inida

• 36 Naw Annabelle // Nov 3, 2009 at 2:17 am

  Dear John,
  This chapter is most important in my life and my family . one equation which is you mention above is most essential between communicators and listeners. I am minister and teaching yours lessons .
  and this chapters is taught my heart to practice in my ministry and my family.
  What they know+what they see+what they feel and what they act (need to add ) = inspiration.
  Because if we do not act what we know+what we see+what we feel =we cannot inspiration. This is Paul have written in his epistle.
  Thanks for your lessons.

  Anna

• 37 Inspire People with your life « Andy Hunter // Nov 3, 2009 at 4:17 am

  [...] See this – Connectors inspire people [...]

• 38 Bridget Haymond // Nov 3, 2009 at 11:09 am

  What I loved about this chapter is linking our passion as an inspiration for us and others. Our passion is contagious and even more so when it stems from a genuine desire to positively impact others and make their lives better. The call to action is probably the most important, but often overlooked portion of many good speeches.

  I just have one question: Is it possible to communicate credibility when there isn’t a long list of degrees or regular contact? We’ve all seen many well educated, experienced people who appeared to have “credibility”, but that lacked integrity. I would like to see you elaborate on how authentic credibility, that goes beyond training and repeated exposure, gets communicated to others.

  Thanks for the inspiration!

• 39 esele akhabue // Nov 3, 2009 at 1:30 pm

  You have been a Channel of Blessing to me. All praise to God for that. Keep growing in grace John.

• 40 Larry Phillips // Nov 3, 2009 at 1:32 pm

  John really great insights especially the section entitled “People Need to See Your Convictions.” I would only offer that the passionate communication of heartfelt convictions doesn’t necessarily suggest the demonstration of thunderous emotion to be convincing. There is a noticeable difference between steel and tin—especially when hit. Genuine heartfelt convictions simply come across as “words of steel” there is a determined resolve in the tone. As communicators we need to be reminded that we can’t fake convictions! The audience will always discern the difference between “words of steel” and the sound of tin—no matter how hard the tin is hit!
  God’s best my friend

• 41 Dawnena Rodriguez // Nov 3, 2009 at 1:37 pm

  Thank you for inviting comments for your book! I wanted to share how connectors inspire people. I have failed so many times in my life. When I tell people what I have gone through – they get inspired to be the best they can be. They see humility and grace come out of my experience. I became deaf at age 2 from spinal meningitis. Doctors said I would be a vegetable. They believed I would not be able to talk, see or hear. I am a 36 year old woman. I lost some of my hearing but I can HEAR God enough to know how much He loves me! I can talk after many crucial years of speech therapy. I can tell you many stories of many difficulties I have faced. I grew up in an alcoholic home with a single mother. We lived in a broken home where abuse happened constantly. I graduated having 4.0 GPA. Went to University of Colorado at Boulder. I got married. Had 4 children. In the midst of life experience. I fell hard. I failed as a leader. I made a huge mistake. I broke the law. I am making amends for it. I tell people my story. They see redeeming GRACE. They see MERCY. The key is having a great communicator who knows where you have failed. Who knows how to get up from failure. It is very hard to forgive yourself and face others. My Lord Jesus Christ gave me strength to go to people and tell them I have failed. In that is the blessings I want to share.. Thank you..

• 42 Sandra Kendell // Nov 3, 2009 at 2:16 pm

  With all due respect this chapter has been very wordy, repetitive and informative. As I read it I can visualize myself hearing and recieving from your wisdom on leadership in a open field surrounded by many different ethnicities and various people groups and cultures. I hear you connect with each culture by sharing the positive history of some outstanding person of their time or from times past. I hear the roars and cheers of the people as God the great connector connects the people to Himself through you as they listen, and begin to “believe” and become truly inspired.
  To me every foundation needs a bottom to begin in but as the foundation grows it then needs a strong expanse to withhold and sustain it. Sterile environments and sterile people groups will always pay to be tickled , excited and made to feel special but when you can connect and inspire those who know they are special but have not been recognized as such you have done a very good thing. The most hardened criminal has always felt good about him/herself that is why they even have the ordacity to break the law in the first place. ( Let’s face it the average joe blow could never be savvy enough to literally break the rules which is why Adam let Eves little busy body self do what she did)
  People of other culture who have held high position in the history of world most times have been made to really feel low despite their significant contributions.
  The Leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King has yielded us one “President Barrack Obama”. Where we you in your foundation then I wonder.

  Our children and youth that read are extremly intelligent is there a book for the young leader of tommorrow written by you the leading leadership “guru”.

  When you compile your statistics and data why not do a broad search on the values: of your age groups, race groups, economic levels, background levels, social status levels, education levels and measure the success of your ability to inspire and connect with that medium. Then remeasure them to the mediums that are not present.

  “If one has a mansion but only one room has a light source no one will find the door/way out unless everyone stays in that room that has all the light including the candles”.

  Your book is more of the same I hear “Expansion” calling and yes I will buy the book, read, and recommend as I have with several of your others so not to worry. Thankyou for you contribution.

• 43 Matthew Mattmiller // Nov 3, 2009 at 2:27 pm

  Couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on, People Need to See Evidence of Your Character. It is easy to put on an impressive fascade in the short term. Colleagues will follow you and sacrifice for you if they believe in your character, but over the course of any meaningful business relationship, there will be clues, brief insights, or even rock-solid proof of the quality of a persons character.

  Whether it be the ingrity you prepare you companies financial statements with, how you treat the facilities people in your operation or other support staff, or even how you speak to people when you are at your worst, these are all insights in to who you are or who you may be.

  When you give people evidence of your character, this evidence needs to support the image you want to project. It is an easy front to maintain for a short while, but who are you really? The truth will come out, in the form of these clues about your character. Will your people sacrifce for you then?

• 44 Andrew Suryadi // Nov 3, 2009 at 2:31 pm

  Dear Mr.John,

  Thanks for the inspiring chapter.

  What i know best when i talked or shared story with people is to showed them that i now or i could help by given advice from my experience, but rarely have a desire to connect.

  Your insight really help me to change my mind set and see what i really have to improve in my relation with people around me, which is..To connect with them!

  A Big Thank you !!

  Best regards and with gratitude.
  Andrew

• 45 Yvonne Green // Nov 3, 2009 at 3:55 pm

  This is the most effective way of communication which they key is connecting in the most simplest forms. I really enjoyed how it was written 1 + 2 =3
  When this is followed step by step a persons communication level can’t help but change.

• 46 Cassie // Nov 3, 2009 at 4:10 pm

  Hi John,

  I am 31 years old and a licensed professional counselor. I have been counseling for the past 5 years and have learned and improved alot, but I constantly struggle with these concepts in this chapter. I feel a lack of confidence in my skills, and because I am young it feels like I need to prove myself as a worthy therapist. Many times I can feel that I have not made the connection with the client that I need to sustain a productive working relationship. I can tell when my passion is missing and when fear is holding me back. It is also very apparent when I do feel passionate and speak from the heart with confidence and conviction. The session is dramatically differernt, so much more enjoyable and it reminds me of why got into this profession in the first place and it is clear that the inspiration is there.
  To say the least I can definitly relate to this chapter. I can see the different areas I need to improve, and also the need for inspiration in my own life to be able to pass that on to others. Fears, insecurities and an external focus seem to rob us of inspiration.

• 47 Michelle Pack // Nov 3, 2009 at 4:31 pm

  Some thoughts I’ve written on influence: “The most influential people determine the common behavior in our environments. These are not always the most powerful or prestigious people, but the most passionate.

  The spirit of a group is generated by influential ideals and passionate people. Understanding the “what” of ideals and “who” of a passionate leader, we can then see “why” we behave the way that we do and “how” these behaviors affect our relationships.

  Talk about actions and consequences in society.”

  Your audience is out to change the world, one person at a time with passion for their message – your demo will do just that…and not present just words that they believe in that will lead others down a wrong path…I couldn’t help but think, though (please forgive me if I am thinking pracitcally instead of inspirationally, I do mean to encourage), that passion moves people in incredible ways – for both truth and lies. We saw this in the past election year when people saw an incredibly passionate speaker, but didn’t buy a word – because they were more interested in long term results rather than passionate rhetoric. Many incredibly passionate people, including world leaders and CEOs who seemed credible, etc. lead masses of people down a trail of horrific results. I agree when becoming passionate as a speaker, listen for a plan when I hear others speak. Results must mix in with rhetoric, examples of future realities with inspirational dreams. Reality is, in fact, what we are going to be living in as we prepare our reality with dreams.

  Again, I do hope to remain inspirational , just the thoughts that weren’t edited quite yet.

• 48 Michelle Pack // Nov 3, 2009 at 4:40 pm

  John, off subject, but not…a journal entry from a mother of a five year old battling brain cancer. Her inspirational story, just for today, on the power of gratitude to help her along.

  Tuesday, November 3, 2009 10:39 AM, MST

  From the mother of young Kate:
  I have been extremely heavy hearted lately. Hearing the effects the flu is taking on the children who are immune suppressed. Watching others relapse after remission. Seeing the effects of the diagnosis of cancer on the kids and their entire families. This morning I heard of one brother who willingly put off Oxford to stay with his battling brother. And there is another whose battle even today might be ending. All of it, completely overwhelming. So last night I didn’t post. I read my Bible so desperately needing comfort and wisdom. Thankfulness and rejoicing seem to be themes in conquering the horrors of discouragement that accompany this journey. So today I want to write what we are grateful for despite this journey we are on….
  Kate is walking! I actually had home health pick up her wheelchair yesterday. I remember the days when she couldn’t even stand on her feet because it hurt. Kate’s personality is in full force! She is singing and dancing. There were times we wondered if we would get all of our daughter back. Kate has a puppy… one of her dreams. She has always wanted her own puppy. And now she has him waiting for her when she gets home from the hospital and from clinic appointments. Some days she still says she can’t believe that she has her own puppy. The tumor is shrinking, and prayerfully gone! We have had the encouragement of knowing that her treatment is working. We have made it through brain surgery and 3 rounds of chemo so far. There have been many days we didn’t know if we could survive the intensity for another day. And here we are. Kate looks unbelievable and continues fighting. We have my sister living with us. We have had unbelievable support in the way of meals, finances, pick me up presents for Kate, prayer and love. Unless you have walked this road with your child, you may never know how painful it is and yet how helpful the support of others is. And I don’t know how we would walk the uncertainty of this journey without knowing Jesus. I am so thankful for His constant presence and unfailing love despite the turbulent storm that constantly surrounds us. We have hope past this life that offers more than this life ever could.

• 49 Ted Oatts // Nov 3, 2009 at 5:52 pm

  Hello, Johnny! (no disrespect intended)
  As the 2008 OHIO Realtor of the year, I know a little bit about marketing. Congratulations to you in using inclusion as a way to promote your latest book. Involvement of the people during the process is genius. When we get people involved, they feel like they are a part, and begin to own the results of an effort. In addition, they bring more people along with them creating a more desirable outcome. I hope this book becomes your best seller! It was my privilege to hear you in Columbus, Ohio a few years ago. I am a fan because you are the real deal. God bless you everyday.

  By the way, if you haven’t made all of your works available on audio cd’s, get to steppin’.
  Zig used to say those of us in sales can be obtaining a degree at automobile university!
  If this is a new idea for you, please send me the first collection!

  Best wishes,
  Ted Oatts

• 50 M. Jason Rump // Nov 3, 2009 at 6:52 pm

  Hello John,

  Love the chapter. I met you in 2006 with Todd Duncan. Our prayers are with he and his boys. My favorite porton of this chapter is the section on gratitiude. My mother always told me that if we were to hang our toubles on a line that you’d take yours and I’d take mine. It’s so much easier to be grateful when we are focused on serving others needs and not on ourselves.

  My Father always reminded me about having 2 ears and one mouth. For this reason I have always been a strong listener as well as a man of few words however meaningful .

  Many thanks,

  Jason

• 51 david seow // Nov 3, 2009 at 7:19 pm

  Hi John,

  Your version of ACT for learning,
  ACT = Apply + Change + Teach

  I would like to complement this word by:
  ACT = Assess + Correct + Think

  Access:
  When we apply our learning, we need to assess whether we do a right
  application, and to know what we had achieved on the level of the
  application.

  Correct:
  Once we access our learning, we may need to do correction, if we
  found that we had misunderstood some of the learning.

  Think:
  Thinking is one important in Teaching. Learning without thinking is
  not learning, is copying.

• 52 Brett Rachel // Nov 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm

  Thanks for inspiring me today!

  One of my tasks as a college planning coach is communicating with parents and students (8th -12th grade) by email. When a family does not have the time to call, I get to coach them by email. My goal is to not only to answer their question (focus on facts), but to teach them how each step in the college planning process is important in the big picture (focus on the future). [The big picture for us is to help students discover a major and a college that is a good fit and will enable them to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in four years - saving them thousands of dollars.]

  When a parent is anxious about financing college, I always let them know that I understand their concerns. Their financial situation is important to us and we want to find a solution together (merit aid, scholarships or loans). Since many parents take the time to email, I want to personally respond to each parent in such a way that helps them take a step toward the big picture.

  When communicating with students, I want to lead them to make wise decisions, gain confidence and show them how to improve their future. Our entire coaching department wants each student, no matter where they are academically, to succeed. We want them to believe in their ability.

  One of the examples that came to mind when reading the “High Expectations” section is how I teach student to approach each year, each semester and each class. On the first day of the class, everyone has the potential to have a 4.0. If they set their goal to pass, they will. A 2.89 is passing. If they set their goal to earn a 4.0, they should do everything they can (study habits, learning styles, tutoring…) to maintain that 4.0. We want them to enjoy the journey to the top of the mountain.

  Just today a freshman wrote that she was excited to be a part of our program and that our email “gave her hope.” I think her note inspired me.

  * The Inspiration Equation makes sense. This formula will improve the way I coach college-bound students as well as how I communicate with the sixth graders in my Bible study.

• 53 Leonor // Nov 3, 2009 at 11:19 pm

  Dear John,

  This chapter is inspiring in itself! We must learn to listen, understand, and take the time to know others in order to inspire them. How can you inspire someone if you don’t take the time to know or show them? It’s all about them, not you. We should “listen” not just “hear” them or we run the risk of losing them completely.

  I had an “aha” moment when reading the section titled “People Need to Know That You Have High Expectations of Them”. This is so vital and I am glad I learned something new today! You are correct–we will ultimately be measured by how we change others’ lives and the actions they take, not only by what we say to them. I only pray that my words/actions reach out and touch someone and make a difference in someone’s life.

  Thanks for sharing your life with us!

• 54 david seow // Nov 4, 2009 at 3:11 am

  Hi John,

  sorry for the typo error,

  in my comment no 51

  thinking is important in learning (not teaching),
  learning without thinking is not learning, it is copying.

• 55 Kim Kumar // Nov 4, 2009 at 5:28 am

  hi Sir,
  I have noted my suggestions/corrections for 1st three paras in CAPS below …for your perusal..

  Bill Hybels, the founder of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago, hosts a Leadership Summit every year which seventy thousand people attend (…WHICH IS ATTENDED BY SEVENTY THOUSAND PEOPLE is a better phrasing) either in person or via satellite link. It is always a powerful and impacting event for church leaders, and I have had the privilege of speaking at it from time to time. In 2008, when Bill spoke during the closing session, his talk was on the importance of leaders inspiring others. He started his session by asking the following:
  How much does it really matter if someone is highly motivated in their work, and in their life? Some of my research on how much motivation really matters was astounding to me.…. Lots of studies that I read tossed around numbers like 40 percent or even higher when they compared the performance of motivated employees versus unmotivated employees. A forty percent performance differential; staggering to me. I read one study that said motivated employees are 87 percent less likely to leave an organization compared to an unmotivated employees (USE THE PLURAL OF EMPLOYEE HERE, SINCE IN EARLIER PART OF THE SENTENCE PLURAL IS USED)…. Lots of studies that I read said that people that are motivated at work call in with dramatically fewer sick days, dramatically (CAN USE A SYNONYM HERE LIKE “SIGNIFICANTLY” TO AVOID REPITITION) fewer insurance claims, less employee theft, fewer wasted hours, the list went on and on…. There’s a huge difference in the outcome, the deliverables, the achievements of motivated people versus unmotivated people. But you all kind of know this from personal experience; you know how much more you will give if someone inspires you.
  There’s no doubt about it: everyone benefits from motivation. Everyone wants to be inspired.
  As I look back on my life, I can see that my energy for my work has often been dependent upon the inspirational qualities of the person who led it. It goes all the way back to grammar school. I worked harder on my school work in the fifth grade under Mr. Horton than I did in the sixth grade under Mrs. Webb. It was true in junior high and high school. I played basketball with greater intensity under Coach Neff then (THAN) I did under Coach Shaw. And as a working adult, the same was true. I committed more time to the vision of Tom Phillippe than I did for other leaders in the same department. And I have given more money to the non-profit (HYPEN IS NEEDED HERE) organization led by Tom Mullins than to other organizations that (INSTEAD OF THAT POSSESS, WE CAAN SAY …OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WITH A SIMILAR MISSION) possess a similar mission. In every (INSTEAD OF EVERY, WE CAN SAY “ALL THESE ABOVE CASES”) case, what made the difference was inspiration! Some people inspire us more than others do.

• 56 Kim Kumar // Nov 4, 2009 at 5:31 am

  Hmm… sir, i would love to read in your book aspects like — How to connect while doing impromptu speaking, tips for successful ‘on-the-spot’ speaking..i.e. ways to conenct when asked to speak on a sudden notice without any preparation..So how does one calm the nerves? would love to hear from your past experiences…

• 57 Ariane Ross // Nov 4, 2009 at 7:17 am

  Hi John,
  I’m from Brazil. And really aprecciate the chapter 7.
  When I was reading this great piece of book I was imagining Jesus “carrier”.
  Jesus was as simples as possible.
  Why so many people was following Jesus?
  I believe it was because of the simplicity of his words.
  We can put all of Jesus communication on the steps we learned here:

  • Heart—something that will cativate people’s emotions,
  Mt5: 4 Happy are those who are sad: for they will be comforted.
  Mt11: 29 Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls;
  • Hope—something that will inspire people, or
  Mt6:34 Then have no care for tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Take the trouble of the day as it comes.
  Mt17:20 And he says to them, Because of your little faith: for truly I say to you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Be moved from this place to that; and it will be moved; and nothing will be impossible to you.
  • Help—something that will help people in a tangible way.
  Mt7:12 – 14 All those things, then, which you would have men do to you, even so do you to them: because this is the law and the prophets. Go in by the narrow door; for wide is the door and open is the way which goes to destruction, and great numbers go in by it. For narrow is the door and hard the road to life, and only a small number make discovery of it.

  You must noticed that it is missing one step: Humor.
  I really think that we can substitute that step for a very singular way to communicating with people: the comparing communication.
  I think it is so simple and understandable as any other technique.
  When we do that we put the subject just in the meddle of the listeners lives. This I consider simple.

  (I could write more than that, but I’m suppose to be simple)

  Congratulations for the new book. And please send it to Brazil

• 58 JR Davis // Nov 4, 2009 at 9:31 am

  Great information and me being a teacher I inspire my students each day.

• 59 E.J. WILLIAMS // Nov 4, 2009 at 10:12 am

  THANK YOU,THANK YOU,This chapter hit a home run w/ me, always left conf. feeling empty, now I know why!!I will buy this book just for Chapter #9 , Can’t wait to read more!!! YOU have a best seller in your hands.WRITE ON !!!!

• 60 Jason Vreeman // Nov 4, 2009 at 4:13 pm

  “People Need to Know That You Understand Them and Are Focused on Them” section: I tell my staff that “People are priority” and communicating effectively means engaging people, where they are, and then relating a product or idea. This can only happens when your mouth is first shut and your ears are wide open.

  “What People Need to See” section is needed, but I feel it is weak in delivery, unlike the “What People Need to Feel” section. It should address both an outside communicator as well as an inside communicator. Conviction, Credibility and Character are much more evident when you are working in the same building with those you are communicating with, than for someone who is coming from the outside.
  Conviction is something that must be maintained over the long haul – not to be confused with a way of doing things, however. Conviction will get you to your goal and will gladly make strategic changes to a mindset in order to achieve a goal.
  Credibility is built over time and is the cornerstone of effective communication. If your people can’t believe you they will never hear you. I think that personal integrity is an important factor in this equation. As much as we strive to segregate our personal lives from our business lives, it is impossible to keep them entirely separate – if personal integrity is in lack it will inevitably bleed through into one’s business world.
  Character is powered by credibility and fueled by conviction. I believe that credibility inspires character traits. You have equated Character with personal integrity; however I would argue that character is a summation of a person’s true principles, attributes and traits. Boldness, truthfulness, honesty, compassion, faith and diligence are all traits that make up a person’s character.
  You could probably write an entire book on the essential 3 C’s to personal success.

  I agree completely with the “What People Need to Feel” section; however have to raise the question: How do you relate this to people whose primary motivator is not how they feel, but how they think? The good old DISC comes to mind, as it points out the 2 different classifications of how people process information and make decisions.

  “Make a Commitment to Continually Inspire Others” sort of fizzes and doesn’t give any practical application. How does the exceptional communicator, not only make the commitment; but, also practice the art of inspiring those around him or her?

• 61 Dave Williamson // Nov 4, 2009 at 4:18 pm

  Dear John:

  I have been following you at a distance and quoting you for years.

  Nothing to add to this wonderful chapter. I just wanted you to know that I’ve written a book called “The Worship Leading Choir In Action.” It is a call for church musicians to reconsider the place of the choir, from a biblical perspective, regardless of the music styles used. I’ve been teaching on this topic for about 15 years.

  I’ve now read three chapters in your new book.

  I’ve now rewritten my book three times.

  Not a coincidence.

  Bless you, John!

• 62 James MASIMER // Nov 4, 2009 at 11:31 pm

  Prospective is what can inspire you. Love is where you are. God is love.
  Allow God to live on the inside of you. In-Spired
  to the outside and others.
  Inspired is to bring you by thought or action to a mountain peak in you. To share with others .Connection Thank you Dr. Maxwell keep on keeping on allowing God to inspire you.

• 63 Franisz Ginting // Nov 5, 2009 at 5:12 am

  PLEASE READ THIS:

  Dear Dr. John,

  I’ve just read a book by an Indonesian author, Ponijan Liaw, entitled “Understanding Your Communication Styles” (or in Indonesian, “Memahami Gaya Komunikasi Anda”). Maybe it can be a valuable additional source. He also wrote a book called “The Art of Communication that Works” (Komunikasi yang Berhasil), which I haven’t read though.

  I would love to share a bit of its contents. I’m sorry if I could not explain all of them in details, and if there are misunderstandings or mistakes in my English. Well, I hope if you have an Indonesian editor or assistant, he or she would correct them. : )

  1. Communication character and style based on Personal Identities : sanguine, choleric, melancholy, and phlegmatic
  (Perhaps we all already know about these personality differences)

  2. Communication character and style based on Psychology : extrovert, introvert, intuitive, feeling (make a decision and conclusion based on feeling), and judging

  3. Communication character and style based on Brain Functions : left brain side (emphasizing logic and facts; rational rather than intuitional or heart; interested in exact sciences and sensitive in language or selecting the right words) and right brain side

  4. Communication character and style based on Gender Difference (read “Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Cannot Read Maps” by Allan and Barbara Pease): male and female

  5. Communication character and style based on Blood Types : A, B, AB, and O
  (Furukawa Takeji said that blood type will directly influence a person’s personality. In Japan, to create a solid team that links with Dr. John C. Maxwell’s idea or motto―Teamwork makes the dreams work―people with B blood type rarely got involved in a project. And did you know that usually Japanese are with O blood type? And many companies in Japan divide their employees in different work group based on blood type, and ironically no one wants to work with group of employees with AB blood type!)

  6. Communication character and style based on Human Basic Types : aggressive, passive, and assertive
  (Each type has its own motto or beliefs, communication patterns, characteristics, non-verbal cues, verbal cues, confrontation and problem solving, and feelings)

  7. Communication character and style based on Human Habitual Types : doer (love action, straight to the point), influencer (like to think, friendly, a people-person, creative, and persuasive), and connector (love to work together than individually, trusting and allowing new people to join his or her successful group)

  8. Communication character and style based on Expression : expresser, driver, and analytical

  9. Communication character and style based on Motions or Moves : socializer, thinker, and director

  10. Communication character and style based on Representational Systems : visual (prioritizing visual), auditory (optimizing auditory), and kinesthetic (emphasizing moves, feelings, and emotions)

  Perhaps each character or type above has same characteristics and connecting each other. And, these 10 communication styles (characters) perhaps apply best at one on one (personal or private) communication, not in public―well that is my opinion, though.

  I hope this theory could be a valuable additional source for your upcoming book, Dr. John. Thank you so much for the chance to sharing in this book with you.

  Greetings from Jakarta, Indonesia.

• 64 david seow // Nov 5, 2009 at 8:33 am

  Hi John,

  sorry for typo error in my comment 34,

  they know + they see (not feel)
  + they feel + they act
  = inspiration

• 65 Chut Aleer Deng // Nov 5, 2009 at 1:33 pm

  Hello Mr. John Maxwell
  Thanks lots for the opportunity of ready your wonderful books through chapter by chapter, and what I like the most in chapter 9 is what you says about character, many people don’t know their character and they don’t even care, but you have put it out in a very unique way. And the other thing is what we say effect our characters, I like that so much. Just can’t wait to read this book.

  Blessings…
  Chut Aleer
  South Sudan

• 66 michael // Nov 5, 2009 at 1:37 pm

  This chapter struck me to the core. It is not enough to give out information. As a minister of the Gospel the temptation is great to be an orator, but Jesus asked his disciples if they understood his sayings and gave the masses down to earth examples in his parables. As a leader, the term, “it’s not about you” holds special significance. It is getting people to see the big picture of their place in society, their responsibilities and then model that before them.

  I can hardly wait before this new book comes out, Dr. Maxwell. I can feel your passion for leadership and people within your books. I try to read several from the public library each year. I also want to thank you for using examples of leadership from the African American experience. So many media and book treasties of people of color(and other minorities) are way too negative and tend to stir in the minds of the public stereotypical fears which are passed to their children at the dinner table. Thank you so much for showing examples of leadership in many colors and nationalities

• 67 Bob Garbett // Nov 5, 2009 at 2:03 pm

  Another great chapter!

  As a law enforcement instructor who teaches leaders, this information is extremely useful. So often, we get a “feeling” which results in little “doing.” It is when we can reach others to do that mentoring actually takes place.

  Also as a pastor, moving people to action is the goal, and a difficult one to achieve at times!

  Truly, passion and motivation must be be present for inspiration to happen. Thanks!

• 68 Adam Henry // Nov 5, 2009 at 3:23 pm

  Last January our State Director of churches came to preach in the church I pastor at. Preceding his sermon he said, “I want to say a word about your English-Speaking Pastor.” He proceeded to share how I was one of the best students he had ever had and said, “Someday I’m going to be able to say, ‘I taught that guy in my class.’” He just seemed to go on and on. It really felt like my heart beginning to melt.
  My wife and I sat there in tears and then he begain his sermon.

  What overwhelmed us most is simple. He believed in us. Here we were just a young ministry couple and this highly regarded man we also deeply respected was saying that he would be proud to say he knew me. It still inspires me to think back to this. His words did something in my heart that is deeper than simply receiving a compliment. If all this wasn’t good enough he did it in front of our entire English-speaking congregation.

• 69 Jacques Fortin // Nov 5, 2009 at 4:51 pm

  Hi, John
  Very inspiring chapter, 3 days ago I didn’t even
  know you exist, but after earing Skip Ross quote
  something you said about changing your thinking will change your life, I got curious and
  found your website. I’ll get that book for sure.
  As I work as a salesman, I’m always wondering
  if I connect or not with people, my results said
  sometime yes and sometime no. What sticked
  to me was the part on ”putting a 10 on people”
  I liked it so much, I told my wife about it and
  how it would help me get better in relationship.
  This morning, comming back from the grocery
  store I told my wife , I had to give a women
  a 20, she said ” she was that good looking,”
  I said no, she was pregnant…

  Thank you so much
  Blessings…

  Jacques Fortin

• 70 Gary Haist // Nov 5, 2009 at 4:52 pm

  John,
  I really felt your gratitude when you spoke of the dinner you prepared for your doctors – wow!
  I vaguely remember while watching an autobiography on Martin Luther King Jr that his mother inspired him by explaining that many leaders cause people to think of victory but the great ones cause people to march to victory!
  That has always stayed with me.
  You are an inspiration. May God bless.
  Gary

• 71 Ed Backell // Nov 5, 2009 at 6:02 pm

  Hello, John! How ironic… I happen to be reading a book of yours about prayer right now, so I thought I’d respond to the Facebook invitation to comment on a new book.

  I like the chapter: I regret not reading previous chapters (but I’m sure I’ll read the next ones). However, I did come across this odd phrase:

  “Communicators who connect know what actress Lisa Kirk did, when she said, …”

  So, are you saying that communicators who connect are aware of Lisa Kirk’s ACTIONS? (if so, the sentence should stay the way it is) — or are you saying that these communicators know the same concept that Lisa Kirk KNOWS? (in which case, the sentence should probably be changed to something like:
  “Communicators who connect know what actress Lisa Kirk *realized*, when she said, …”

  I’m sure an editor has probably already caught that comment, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point it out, since that *is* the feedback for which you are asking.

  I saw no other items that were unclear: indeed, the content was rich and the material helpful. I’m looking forward to reading it on paper, instead of on screen!

  Thank you for all of the words of encouragement and wisdom you have given to me and to so many others over the years.

  Keep Following Jesus,
  Ed Backell
  Snohomish, WA

• 72 June Paul // Nov 5, 2009 at 6:10 pm

  Well John this is very provocative. The part about hearing and doing I found very interesting and it made me remember a comment I made the other day about how different the world would be if all the thnkers would stop to think about how the feelers feel about what they are saying and if all the feelers could learn to think about what their emotions are saying. Personality and personal experience play such a huge role in what people hear and consequently what they do as a result of their hearing. So I really do agree with you that listening is of utmost importance. I think that’s what you are saying when you talk about the importance of ‘reading’ even the room that you are in. What that says about the people who prepared it and the people who are there.
  It also made me remember a time that one of my children said that the reason she didn’t do what I asked her to is because she didn’t hear me because I made a funny face when I asked her to do whatever it was I was talking about. So, I guess it’s important for the speaker to check themselves for their physcial expression as well.

  I think more often than not the motivational speaker rarely knows how much or how many people they have inspired because rarely do they think about the second and third level of hearers. The audience of the audience because true inspiration is shared by the hearer.

  When I was in training as a Mary Kay Sales Director one of my peer directors told me that I shouldn’t get discouraged when I hear one of my consultant come back from a meeting with a different Director and tell me that she learned something new from them only to find out that I had been teaching the same thing forever. So sometimes the person just isn’t open to what is being said at the moment.

  I liken that to my experience in every job I’ve had including in the church. But this is what I really believe – that encouraging words endure from one generation to the next and that is true inspiration.

• 73 Kasaandra Roache @inspiremany // Nov 5, 2009 at 6:23 pm

  My goal in life is to inspire therefore this gave me a clear guideline to make sure what I want to do is what Im doing. Thank you!

• 74 Maribeth Hickman // Nov 5, 2009 at 8:08 pm

  John,

  I believe “connection” provides the bridge between “this is how” and “begin now.” Bridges lift us over our uncertainties. When we travel on a bridge, we know where we’re going from its beginning to its end. Feeling connected keeps us within the boundaries of the bridge, so that we don’t fall or jump off in the middle before we reach our destination.

  Whenever you have a new book come out, I don’t even open it before I buy it, because I know your words are truly God-inspired and will be a blessing to me. Each of your books makes me a better person, and I try to pass to others what I learn from you. I look forward to connecting with people on a much deeper level after reading this book. Thank you for your dedication to God’s work.

  Maribeth Hickman

• 75 david seow // Nov 5, 2009 at 9:18 pm

  Hi John

  thank you for the sharing and connecting.

  I would like to suggestion the followings:

  my suggestions:

  1. Why inspiration is the best way?

  There are many ways to connect people, like connect by passing knowledge,
  connect by persuading, by motivating.

  Inspiration will make people automatically, willingly, actively in doing the thing
  themselves, it is self-motivating!

  2. Summary: Inspiration involve two main parties, you and the people/audience to produce
  result.

  (you) inspires (people)

  - know/understand people - see your conviction
  - know people thinking - see your credibility
  - know their saying - see your evidenceof character
  - know their doing - need to feel
  - know your expection on people :your passion for the subject and them
  :your confident in yourself and them
  :your gratitude for them

  you fulfil people

  - know people needs/wants - wonderful dreams

• 76 Bart Looper // Nov 6, 2009 at 12:14 am

  Dear John,

  You continually inspire me with your words. For the last two years, I have had at least one of your books on my desk, reading whenever I get a chance. Of all of your material that I have read, I still always pick up something new. I espically saw something of myself in this chapter. I have a couple of employees that have been with me about three years each. They are about the same age and are about the same demeanor. I realize now that the reason that one of them is so far ahead of the other is in most part due to me and not them. Sometime in the last three years, I viewed one of them as a 1o and the other as a 5. I have treated them as such and they have grown as such. Starting Monday morning, I am going to make sure that I treat, train, and share my vision equally with them, beasue they both have the same potential, I just have to communicate it to them.

  Thanks John, keep the good work.

• 77 david seow // Nov 6, 2009 at 5:01 am

  Hi John,

  pls discard comment 75 due to error and use the followings:

  my suggestions:

  1. Why inspiration is the best way?

  There are many ways to connect people, like connect by passing knowledge,
  connect by persuading, by motivating.

  Inspiration will make people automatically, willingly, actively in doing the thing
  themselves, it is self-motivating!

  2. Summary: Inspiration involve two main parties, you and the people/audience to produce
  result.

  (you)
  - know/understand people
  - know people thinking
  - know their saying
  - know their doing
  - know your expection on people
  (inspires)

  (people)
  - see your credibility
  - see your evidence of character
  - need to feel
  :your passion for the subject and them
  :your confident in yourself and them
  :your gratitude for them

  In short:

  (you)
  - let people see, know, feel
  (inspire)

  (people)
  - make wonderful dreams to come true

• 78 LIZA SCHWARTZ // Nov 6, 2009 at 12:34 pm

  I have been reading the chapters you’ve written thus far, and most passionately connect with this one. I agree with all your observations on vision & passion which is the fuel that keeps many of us going each day. I especially connect with your comments on gratitude, though, as this might be the missing link for many looking to truly connect with others on a deeper level. How would we all feel if everyone in our lives regularly & intentionally expressed gratitude? I’m guessing many more would feel inspired by gratitude which truly conveys a feeling of being understood which many seek. I find that some are focused on their many “to do” lists & the busy-ness of their own lives to truly appreciate others. Expressing gratitude is a key ingredient in helping each of us move away from our own selves & into the shoes of others. This is the missing link for anyone looking to connect. I am thankful that you are sharing your journey with us. Keep the stories coming….

• 79 Sandy Gorman // Nov 6, 2009 at 5:16 pm

  When I listen to a speaker, I often feel validated and most of the time walk away with a new idea or technique. To feel validated lets me know that I am doing some things right. After reading this chapter, I feel validated when you mentioned that good leaders show confidence in their listeners. The new thing I learned from this chapter is:

  ■Put a letter “A” beside those things you learned that you need to Apply.
  ■Put a letter “C” beside those things you learned that you need to Change.
  ■Put a letter “T” beside those things you learned that you need to Teach.

  This activity would be useful after attending a speaking engagement, a class, or staff development. ACT provides a time to focus and and a time to examine in order to be an effective teacher.

• 80 Rev Ed Hird // Nov 7, 2009 at 9:22 pm

  What a great idea to release one’s book chapter by chapter inviting feedback for shaping the final version.

  I have read many of your books over the years, seen your videos, and been greatly helped by your stewardship insights. It is easy to lose momentum and passion. There are so many negative people out there that speak into our lives. Your chapter helps foster that. My advice would be to put a little more of your own personal story into this chapter.

• 81 Rev Ed Hird // Nov 7, 2009 at 9:24 pm

  I am unsure if my last posting made it. The gist is that your chapter was very inspirational, which anyone in leadership needs to hear again and again. There is so much negativity out there. I would recommend that this chapter include more of your personal story.

• 82 Catie Perschke // Nov 8, 2009 at 1:04 am

  I really apppreciated the story of the Rabbi and the soapmaker. The moral is so appropriate to the entire book… ‘It doesn’t work unless applied.’
  There is so much practical application in this chapter that it will be difficult to choose one thing to apply in the next 24 hours:)
  I can see how A.C.T. would be useful to assimilate material from notes. I also plan to use it when reading books.

• 83 Kyle Prisock // Nov 8, 2009 at 3:44 am

  John,

  The premise of this book is so needful in today’s society with so many people not realizing the power in connecting.
  My uncle was once talking to me about the value in what is referred to as ’social currency’ and said, “Kyle, it’s not who you know, but it’s who know you. You have to be able to add value to people in order for them to value you. It’ s not enough to memorize their name.”

  When we turned strangers into friends, and approach them as such, we treat them (and are treated by them) much better than had we simply tried to make the sudden jump from stranger to customer.

  I was once involved in a direct sales company. I was excited about the compensation plan the company provided and the product, but was having trouble getting my business off the ground.

  A friend mentioned me to a business coach they knew and he was kind enough to offer me a free consultation in order to help.
  At our first meeting, introductions were made and he asked me to present myself and the company I was representing, just as I would if he was an average, potential customer. With that invitation, I proceeded to give my presentation with as much zeal as possible.
  When I finished, he asked, “How do you know you have what I need, when you didn’t even bother to ask anything that would tell you what my need was, or for that matter find out anything about me? You need to connect with me, or else I won’t want to listen to you. If I feel like you’re connecting with me and care about me and my needs, I’m more likely to care about you and your product. You have to sell yourself before you ever try to sell your product.”

  It was then that I began connect with people as individuals before I ever talked business with them as clients. Through this practice, I made many more friends, and several more costumers. I learned that I can communicate all the information I want, but without first making a connection, I haven’t really set myself up for success.

  I’ve since moved on in my life to other opportunities, but the lesson that what I communicate is only as valuable as the connection I make has stuck with me ever since.

  (Love the ACT plan. I plan to incorporate it in my life more often. So I guess that’d be an ‘A’ for Apply! Thanks for choosing to share your insight with us.)

• 84 Robert Nicholson // Nov 8, 2009 at 4:58 pm

  Hello again Dr Maxwell.
  Here are this weeks comments.

  Typo’s:

  “…under Coach Neff (then) I did…” “then” should be “than”.

  WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?
  “This what I think” try “This is what I think”.

  PEOPLE NEED TO SEE YOUR CREDIBILITY
  “I’ve also (have) a lot of…” try “…had…”

  People Need to Feel Your Passion for the Subject and Them:
  Para 5:
  “They were inspired, and they were actually looking forward being selected to serve on a jury.”
  try,
  “They were inspired, and they were actually looking forward to being selected to serve on a jury.”

  Suggestions:
  Section; “People Need to Know That You Understand Them and Are Focused
  on Them”

  “Good communicators understand that people do things for their own reasons, not for the reasons of the person doing the talking.”

  May I suggest it could look like this.

  Good communicators understand that people do things for their own reasons, not for the presenters reasons. The principal that applies
  here is connectors gold. Communicators care about imparting something, not just of value to the listener, but something the listener will value.
  Those who just care about showing what they know are just talkers and talkers rarely have listeners.

  One more thing. I noticed some of us did not relate to the Will Smith quote. I feel I need to differ on that. Mr Smith has an intangible quality that I perceive as real, authentic and trustworthy. When he speaks I get the feeling he means what he says. Let me illustrate. I personally am not a fan of his music but, and it’s a big but, when I hear him perform I get the feeling that he is truly trying to perform for and give enjoyment to whoever will listen. Far too often my impression of performers is that they are trying to collect fans and get record sales or advance a personal agenda of self agrandisement. While I do not doubt that Will Smith may by necessity work to commercial realities it is my feeling that at his core he is first and foremost real, authentic and trustworthy. My opinion is that Will Smith is a fine example of a connector and motivator, not to mention a better than average actor.

  Blessings

  Robert

• 85 Steve McMahan // Nov 8, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  Thanks for another educational chapter. I was particularly struck by the comment about a speaker starting off by telling the audience that he is nervous. I hear that frequently!

  I suggest you provide more background or remove the auto company example. it is all about connecting with a group which maybe was successful, but it seems to me that it ultimately failed. Otherwise, GM and Chrysler would not have failed.

  Regards,

  Steve Mc

• 86 Kimberly Tucker // Nov 8, 2009 at 6:56 pm

  John,

  Confidence, passion, gratitude. A truly inspiring chapter. I will definitely remember what I need to apply, change and teach.

  Thanks so much for sharing your insights and wisdom.

• 87 Candace Sargent // Nov 8, 2009 at 7:48 pm

  Well John, I lovvvved your chapter on INSPIRATION!!! This will be the chapter that readers return to over and over and over again!!!

  In your overall approach, you might to limit as much filler as possible, focusing on the pearls—the inspirational stories & dialog—one after the other like a string of pearls, weaving explanation of concepts & application in between when necessary.

  You might want to pop off the starting block with a couple favorites, maybe the ones the commenters loved most! Then you might alternate, sprinkling in the very best amongst the other good ones; that way, you sustain the high all the way to the end of an inspirational chapter!!

  Here are 3 stories from the first consulting company I was with; both the CEO as I would drop into ministries and non-profits like a Seal team; we were passionate confident connectors, first, talented software developers, second:

  Story 1: I was 5 months pregnant on a bumped-bump puddle jumper, headin deep into the bible belt. Landed, 98 degrees, 98% humidity, “Welcome to Tyler Texas.”

  The site was a ministry that had a hard cut-over, meaning we couldn’t go back; IT HAD TO WORK NOW! So, we asked them to be absolutely, positively, without-a-shadow-of-a-doubt SURE that there were ONLY 4 CHANGES!!!! We came with ONLY 4 changes. Of course, when we landed, there were over 150 more waiting for us! YIKES!!

  Panic filled the huge room as a sea of data-entry gals couldn’t do any data entry, “There’s no Item Number!?”… “No Source Code!” … My CEO addressed the room, “Don’t worry, we’ll make each of every one of your changes, QUICK AS A FLASH!! I’ll turn them over to Candy, here, who will have ya home by supper:)”

  In the midst of the chaos, we were introduced to their own consultant who was dressed like a seasoned cowboy, well-worn boots, shiny rodeo buckle (I was lookin for the 6-shooter), who was SHARP as a tack! We LIKED him!!

  We finished in 4 hours and the cowboy consultant leaned over to my CEO, “I aint NEVER seen anythin like THAT in my ENTIRRRE life!!” My CEO replied in his best Southern drawl, “I KNOW! She can code and spread peanut butter at the same time!”

  Story 2: I was on maternity leave by the time World Vision got underway. This time, we knew they needed hundreds of custom changes, so the CEO sent in a 10-man consulting team while he worked on Focus On The Family. Suddenly, without warning, the guy heading the team had a nervous breakdown. With implementation only 3 weeks away and 440 changes still outstanding, the mood inside World Vision was somber; extra prayers were said at chapel. Still, their IT people were looking for jobs, sure they wouldn’t survive the upcoming-failed implementation!

  In response, my CEO put together a 3-man team of his BEST CONNECTORS: CEO, me, and a gifted trainer. Both the CEO and I addressed the World Vision team and no doubt they liked us, but understandably, they walked away still with zero confidence that we could pull it off in 3 short weeks.

  A week later, I told their PM (Proj.Mgr), “All 440 are completed.” PM: “That’s NOT funny Candy! We’re dyin here! We’re lookin for jobs, and you’re makin jokes!” Me: “I’m not kidding” with my serious face on. PM: “OOOOkay, SHOW ME, right now!” We sat down and flew through all 440! I thought the PM was going to cry; he was so beside himself; he kept shaking my hand until the feeling had left it! The elation that started to rise slowly was gathering GREAT SPEED as he took the stairs 2 & 3 at a time!! The place was TRANSFORMED!!! I think actual skipping was going on in the hallways.

  With the 440 out of the way, I had time to connect with the users. Relief, relief, hope, hope, trust, trust was happening in every cubicle I visited. Of course, implementation was A WALK IN THE PARK!:D The user community presented us with a banner, signed by hundreds. As we were leaving, they asked us to stay and offered us more work than we knew what to with.

  If you connect well, you can even come back from a disaster, well. Don’t ya just love happy endings!:D

  Story 3: Brrrrrrr..those were cold winter nights at the Chrystal Cathedral where we were implementing a ticketing system for the Glory of Christmas. The Cathedral IS amazzzing! And the people, even better!! There’s a legend amongst them that trained monkeys are used to get up in the lattice and wash alllll those windows. We saw spitting camels, wondering sheep, and even sleepy tigers, but NO window-washing monkeys!

  We rolled up our sleeves with the gals in Will Call, and then rolled them down to shadow the head ushers seating people. We even made carrot cakes for the cast backstage; we can’t resist a party! 52 performances, SUCCESS!

  We jumped in and made the experience so much funnn that the people brought their VERY BEST to the effort! Hugs & happy tears upon leaving that site!

  My CEO moved to Arizona and since I can’t live 15 minutes from the beach, we parted ways—I miss him still—and I became the CEO of my own consulting company. More stories:

  Story 4: Portrait World presented a unique challenge: the lion’s share of profits comes in within a 2-month window in the fall: SCHOOL PICTURES! I worked closely with the president to completely revamp all processes and train top down, managers on down to hundreds of temps that arrive like a wave crashing on the shore!

  They were many roll-up-the-sleeves lunches with a hands-on president. This thrown-in-the-fire experience quickly hones connecting skills: so many personalities, learning styles, extremely short timeframes for assimilating and executing flawlessly. No time for replays; you blink and GAME OVER!! Implementation was a SUCCESS and the company was bought out 5 minutes later.

  Story 5: On to a Japanese company making sneakers & sports apparel. When I arrive on a site, I usually gravitate towards their management tools. But first, I was hit in the face by the challenge of culture & language between in-house management and their connection to a sea of fast-talking, outgoing-salesman-type American companies they supplied to.

  Since the company didn’t supply a basic tool for checking status of their orders online, calls overwhelmed them, and often ended heatedly. Frustration 101. I put up a quick prototype of a status tool, and demonstrated it to management. They flew out the sea of people they supplied to, and filled an amphitheater. We had a blast that afternoon, and forever changed the connection between them!

  Story 6: When an insurance company with half a billion in assets goes under, the judge wouldn’t let them go quietly into the night! Instead, he appointed a Deputy-Receiver to oversee the collection of assets in the form of premiums owed to them by Reinsurers. It took 13 years!

  This was the most diverse connecting challenge. First, you now had a staff whose new priority was to work themselves out of a job a.s.a.p. Can you imagine the morale challenges? You would think, “They’ll just go find another job” but the receivership upped the incentives to stay: salaries were bumped 20% over market, plus a nice severance package ONLY if you stayed until the very end! There were also high-powered lawyers, a couple of senators in and out, and a team from one of the big-eight accounting firms. I was brought in to connect with everyone, develop sophisticated software, and train.

  Good connectors are discrete, 100%! They say it’s lonely at the top—very true—many members of management will confide in outside consultants. They just need to talk to someone and they very much appreciate you listening, active & interested.

  Simple though it sounds, introducing a weekly status report is very important to keeping a good strong connection because you’re bound to have to report other’s mistakes—there’s no avoiding it! So, I’ve found that if you list the facts briefly and slip them into a normal pattern of status, people can save face as well as can be done. IN CONNECTING, YOU ALWAYS STRIVE TO SAVE FACE AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN!

  A new challenge loomed: I discovered the big-eight accounting team was going to miss the hard deadline and they were actually lying about their status in the meetings. If the deadline is missed, the Deputy Receiver would have to face the judge! How best to handle it? I closed the door to the GM’s office: “There’s a Bandini mountain about to fall on you Tom…” GM: “There’s no way a big-eight firm would be lying to me.” Me: “Just show up at the next status meeting and ask questions.” At the next status meeting, Tom opened with softball questions that triggered vague evasive responses…10 minutes in, Tom was white as a sheet! A big-eight partner arrived within 30 minutes and their team doubled in size over lunch. They made the hard deadline with 30 seconds to spare!

  Periodically, I would leave the site to implement elsewhere but they would double my hourly rate to bring me back, based mostly on my ability TO CONNECT!

  *Note: Software development is like a foreign language: users can’t always articulate what they want and even if they manage to, 9 times out of 10, you can offer them something much better IF YOU STEP INTO THEIR SHOES, see how they operate, what tools they use and how they use them, listen and ask questions, and you do it all in such a manner where you blend in, un-intrusively, like an excellent server who is a delight and seems to meet your every need, fills your drinks, but never seems to interrupt the flow of conversation!

  Story 7 (You included a story about Jury duty so let me quickly give you mine): We entered the judge’s courtroom and I was relaxed-confident that I wouldn’t be chosen, so I simply sat back and observed the process. In plain sight, I noticed one guy trying to hold the book written by Mark Harmon who testified in the O.J. Simpson case—he was obviously working hard to be dismissed. Then came my turn in the juror selection process, my turn to divulge my reason, “I develop Legal Matrix software that calculates Win Factors of cases, along with case precedence that supports those wins.” “Thank you very much Mrs. Sargent, you can go.”

  Well John, I hate to leave your INSPIRATION chapter,

  Candace

• 88 Lea Carey // Nov 8, 2009 at 7:52 pm

  Hi John, could tell that you are passionate about this chapter…your words came together perfectly with great examples of writing notes. I remember my first note from a former CEO. I still have it and treasure it. He is was the best leader that I had to priviliege to work for. One time a gunman came into the ER and ended up being killed by a police officer. This CEO not only comforted the entire staff he took it upon himself to pick up the mop and help clean up the mess. So when I look at his hand written note after all of these years my heart still jumps a beat or two…because he took the time.
  Thanks! Lea

• 89 Timothy W Smith // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:25 pm

  Thankyou, John. Very inspiring and extreemly motivatinal. You have been a friend and will continue to be for life!

• 90 Teri Aulph // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:38 pm

  I would add my comment via an article I recently wrote entitled, “You know you are successful when…”. You can find it at http://bit.ly/zfLFe
  I find your concept regarding inspiration and how it defines relationships to be insightful and something I can carry with me.

• 91 Tes Casin // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:44 pm

  People need to know that you live what you preach – then you become a real inspiration.
  Thanks for being a mentor, you don’t know how your writings and teachings, esp your real life examples have helped me a lot.

  God bless

• 92 Marc Millan // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:52 pm

  Enthusiasm & Passion are a great deal to me and what I look for in leaders in general. It’s the difference makers. A pure sense of passion and enthusiasm cannot be stopped and is contagious, it will create a positive ripple effect and always pushes the ball forward for a team. I love this chapter.

• 93 Grace Bower // Nov 8, 2009 at 8:55 pm

  This is such a great chapter because it contains quotes and anecdotes from history to present day, from politics, business, entertainment, church and your own situations.
  I agree with 18 that a tighter rewrite will bring it more into line as passing on your experience to others. I also agree with those who thought you could have a stronger finish and i like the suggestions to use the A C T finish – maybe even include 57 version as well. I have to say including Will Smith is a great inclusion because it quickly becomes history so you need a real up-to-date comment. Maybe you could finish with Did you see the gratness in your audience? Did your audience go away KNOWING there was greatness in them bursting/longing to get out and go into action? Maybe in the observation section you might like to refer to Simon Baker in The Mentalist or the Lie to Me body language insights.
  24 – Good comment – use an acknowledged quote rather trahn a personal paraphrase as people who know the original may perceive a lack of integrity.
  25 – Loved the Passion paragraph and the example of Jesus as most people see him as a great model regardless of their relationship with Him.
  26 – Love the example of pay-it-forward inspiration as a gratitude act – would love to see it in your book
  27 – Love the phrase “Your heart maust be the #1 part to arrive at the party”
  48 – I too have been inspired by the courage of Holley and Arron as they face the cancer of their youngest child – they have been visited by Dr Phil and Robin so It would be a really current example of the power of gratitude (www.pray for kate). It would be good to see if they wanted to have a quote to honour all they have appreciated in a permanent legacy. They are “singing in the storm” not knowing the results but choosing gratitude
  50 – One of my favourite sayings – have an email story that expands this if you want me to find it.
  51 – Love that learning without thinking is copying.

• 94 Grace Bower // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:00 pm

  Sorry – realised too close to deadline so posted without checking spelling!
  70 – Love the MLK quote
  82 – It doesn’t work unless applied!!
  83 – Mentor!
  87 – Last story from Candace story 6 would be very pertinent
  88 – great example

• 95 Tim Ard // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:02 pm

  In my training I find people don’t or simply won’t connect until they understand why they need to be connected.

  In adult education somehow you have to illustrate or demonstrate the connection before they consider connecting.

  Thank you for your inspiration over the years. You gave me a copy of one of your first books in Dacula, GA at a conference and I have purchased many more since 1998. You demonstrated and I connected.

• 96 Joseph T. Duvall // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:03 pm

  I believe this the greatest key to communication I have ever read: What They Know + What They See + What They Feel = Inspiration. If I could put these four questions in the heart of every young communicator I believe they could change the world
  1. Do I believe what I say?
  2. Has it changed me?
  3. Do I believe it will help others?
  4. Have I seen it change others?
  “To help listeners feel passionate, confident, and inspired, you must express gratitude. And to do that, you must first be a grateful person.” Thank you Dr. Maxwell, I am Grateful for you and your books. When I read this statement I realized why at time I have failed as a listener “I still recommend an action plan to people based on the word ACT.” A = Apply; C = Change; T = Teach WOW

• 97 Deb Ingino // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:17 pm

  I love your focus of connection and how it is how people FEEL at the other end of our interchange that they remember.

  I remember when opening up subsidiary offices in other countries and hiring /coaching new team members.
  English was not their first language and is my only language,so the focus had to be more of an emotional connection, how they felt when they did the job successfully, how the customer felt, and the training /coaching was filled with stories and first hand experiences for them.
  It changed it from ‘here’s what I’m going to teach you’ to ‘ Here’s how we contribute to our customer and our company’.
  The ACT acronym is great, I’m putting that to use right away!
  Thanks for all you do.

• 98 Demetric Phillips // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:21 pm

  Hello John,

  Connection isn’t made until the one who isn’t trying to communicate perceives value from what is being communicated. That is when a person connects to anything.

  Thanks,
  Demetric Phillips

• 99 Raymond Master // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:22 pm

  John,
  Great chapter. As I read, I thought about how our society seems to go from inspiration to inspiration, looking for the next thing that makes them feel good, but doing very little about it. Leonard Sweet recently “tweeted” something I thought very profound. He wrote that Hollywood and Facebook’s “causes” mentality bothers him because “in a commodity culture, the good becomes yet another goodie”. As we seek to inspire people, we must also use our passion, conviction and gratitude to teach them what truly is good. Through teaching the truth about what is good, what is of God, our directive to see people act on their inspiration becomes more about building the Kingdom that just changing the individual. After all, isn’t that really what we should be doing when we’re inspired?

• 100 Gerry Carrillo // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:33 pm

  Blessed is a man who can comment on your blog and have the chance to be in your next book.
  I strongly belive one must show people how much he cares with action, the words he says and helping others see in themself the good that you see in them. Many of us have issues in life but God’s focus is on the untaped part of our lives the section in our heart that He is waiting for us to discover. When we see life from this point of view, them our eys we will be truly opened to a higher level of living life.
  Thank You Mr. Maxwell for all the possitive connections you have had in my life and the lifes of countless others.

  May God continue to bless you, your family and those who read or listen to your uplifting words.

  From The Heart,
  Gerry Carrillo
  (In San Diego,You can me on Facebook)

• 101 Sandi Benz // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:36 pm

  As it’s been said many times before – may we always motivate, inspire and encourage others in our daily communication.
  “May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

• 102 Joyce McMurran // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm

  John,
  Getting in on this project is exhilrating!
  I did my master thesis on Leadership and Communication and believe in the importance of communicating and connecting.

  I have worked for the same company for over 24 years and have been a trainer for New Hire Orientation and am very enthusiastic about our vision, values and people. Many times I hear the feedback from a new employee “you are so excited about working here and it shows in how you teach the class (which is over 7 hrs long)! My heart skips a beat when I hear this because I am convinced that your passion and purpose will always show through and make an impact no matter what you are doing.

  My favorite quote on leadership is from John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”.

  Even when I am not in a formal role of leadership, my heart knows my charactor, integrity and example can motivate others for positive growth and that kind of motivation lasts… =)

  I have much more to say but time is running out…it must be on the next chapter!

  Best to you!
  Joyce McMurran

• 103 Judy Camp // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm

  As leaders, touching is the answer! A team will gladly follow and tell everyone their “story” when you inspire them to believe in themselves! Each week I try to think of ways to inspire those on our team. They look to me to help them believe, to help them be positive and lift them up. Holding to possibilities! It took 2 years to win their trust , they now let me “in” to their fears and allow me to celebrate their victories. This is synergy at it’s best. I feel this total responsibility to lead and inspire them each week. I believe that I must personally demonstrate competency and keep my eye on the horizen so to position them for success in the future.
  They must trust that I am working, watching and preparing for the success now and in the future.
  I ook to you to take care of me in this same way ….I have read and re-read your books, you continue to inspire me. We all need our real heroes. Thank you John.

• 104 Greg LUBBEN // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:45 pm

  John
  Thank you for bringing out all the good in people but also in ourselves. We had the pleasure of meeting you in Orlando. It was truly an awesome event!!!!

• 105 Rick Santiago // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:52 pm

  One of the greatest examples of a communicator making a connection with a large and diverse audience was the biblical account of the formation of the early first century church. According to Luke’s account in the book of Acts, the early Christian church exploded onto the historical stage, not as a formalized organization or religious institution, but as a “fellowship”. They were a community of like-minded people who were instantly fused together by the inspirational message and call to action delivered by the Apostle Peter. The account goes on to say that these original hearers subsequently “devoted themselves” to God and to one another. Luke describes them in this way:

  “Those who accepted his (Peter’s) message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41-47 NIV)

  What is described here is both a sociological and spiritual phenomenon. Somehow, this group of 3,000 people suddenly overcame centuries of religious, ethnic, political, socio-economic, and class stratifications to become a new unified and vibrant social entity. Yet this was no ordinary community. It was not defined by geographic boundaries, citizenship, or even residential proximity. This was a very different type of community. It was a community of faith whose newly shared belief system superseded all prior differences. It was Peter’s ability to take What They Knew, (about the scriptures and about Jesus’ life and death) and make an appeal to What They See (a group of disciples who were not drunk, but passionate about their message to the point of risking their very lives, people who cared for one another and had everything in common, and a community whose lifestyle won the favor of all the people), and challenged them to truly examine What They Feel in light of these convicting facts.
  Had Peter stopped there, all of the listeners on that day may have come away talking about what a great speaker he was, but he took it a step further as you have described in this chapter. He seized the moment to “Say the Right Words at the Right Time” and “Give People an Action Plan”. It was ultimately that call to action that resulted in the results I cited above in Acts 2:41-47)
  Therefore I submit that despite the supernatural manifestations associated with the early church movement, it was the apostles’ ability to connect with and inspire people that led to the greatest transformational movement of all time… the birth and ongoing development of the Christian church.

• 106 Elizabeth Ann Yoder // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:56 pm

  THANK YOU so much for the opportunity to preview this chapter of your book and respond! I have been inspired, encouraged, and reminded of so many truths which are so important when connecting with others!

  I think the Inspiration Equation is such a memorable concept and a great framework for the chapter!

  I have been so inspired by various stories, especially the ones relating to the flight attendant, Abraham Lincoln, Geri Stevens, and the letter you wrote to your doctors. The reference to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech was also a great reminder of the importance of living life with passion and conviction!

  I also really, really enjoyed the section “People Need to Know That You Have High Expectations of Them.” I loved the idea of seeing “everyone as having the potential to be a “10.” What a wonderful way to encourage people to remember to see the best in everyone around them!

  As I have read through and reflected on the chapter, I would humbly encourage you to consider the following suggestions:

  1. Whenever possible, revise sentences to eliminate vague pronouns such as “it” (like in “There’s no doubt about it” at the end of paragraph 1 and “I believe it boils down to two things” later in the chapter). While we often use “it” vaguely when speaking, when we write, a pronoun should always refer to a specific one-word antecedent (see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/595/01/ and the sections on “implied antecedents” and “vague reference” at http://www.penandpage.com/EngMenu/gramref.htm).

  2. Instead of talking about one’s “inspirational language” (a term which is not clearly explained and somewhat confusing), I think it would be better to encourage the reader to focus on using the specific words, images, ideas, and motivations that will most inspire to others. (As a reader, when I see “inspirational languages,” I want to ask whether there are various types, like Gary Chapman’s “love languages,” and how to determine which one to use.)

  3. In the paragraph immediately following “People Need To See Your Credibility,” I would eliminate “however” from the beginning of sentence, then replace “but” with “however” in the next sentence (for better clarity given that you are drawing a conclusion from two different, yet parallel, experiences).

  4. In the Geri Stevens’ example, I believe that you need to add the word “a” following the word “nation” (”why America is nation coveted and admired by others”).

  5. I think that the chapter would be stronger if Kotter’s description of Dr. King’s speech were shortened or eliminated. Most readers will be familiar enough with the context of the speech to understand the passion and conviction with which Dr. King spoke–and the long, very logical quote seems to detract from the wonderful emotion that you have created both before and after Kotter’s words.

  6. I would also encourage you to summarize at least part of the quotation about the American automakers. As a reader, I think the quotation is too long and, at times, hard to follow–and the story would be much stronger if you would summarize all but the final part.

  7. I’d encourage you to change one of the two stories which refer to President Franklin Roosevelt in the chapter. While he is certainly worthy of being mentioned twice, other presidents, including Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy, were also incredibly inspiring.

  8. I also believe the ending of the chapter could be stronger. I like how the chapter focuses on connecting with people to make a difference now–but I think readers also need to realize that their present actions have a “ripple effect” far into the future. At the recent Catalyst conference, Andy Stanley mentioned that we will never know where we have made the greatest difference until long after the event has passed. In keeping with the theme of the story of the flight attendant earlier in the chapter, I’d like to see a greater emphasis on helping people realize that they are not just connecting with others in the present, but also building a foundation for connecting with–and powerfully impacting–others far into the future.

  Thank you again for a great chapter, for so many valuable insights in this work and your other publications, and for allowing each of us to participate in your writing process!

• 107 Adam Jones // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:56 pm

  Great chapter! I haven’t read any up till this one, but I’m looking forward to the next.

  I especially loved the “Action – Inspiration At The Highest Level” section. This quote is awesome… “Some communicators stop there. They encourage people, make them feel good, help them to feel confident, but then they never lead them to action. What a tragedy! It’s not enough to help someone feel good. Understanding changes minds. Action changes lives. If you really want to help others, you need to take your communication to the next level—which is to call people to action.”

  That’s what Jesus did. He had servants turn water to wine. He had a boy and 12 disciples feed 5000 people. He had 72 disciples go out to shout the news of the Kingdom.

  Jesus gave more than just an understanding of God. He gave an opportunity to change the world because of that God.

  Again, great chapter! I absolutely loved it and will check out the next one tomorrow…

  -Adam Jones

• 108 Greg Schaffer // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:58 pm

  If you do not influence others you are not leading. If you do not connect with others, influence is out of the question.

  This is a great book and thanks for allowing us to preview and give input!

• 109 Trudy Metzger // Nov 8, 2009 at 9:59 pm

  Dear Mr. Maxwell,

  My favourite chapter so far! But then, I think I may have said that before. I was touched by your example of encouraging the flight attendant! I know leaders that would be too ‘big’ to do something like that because it is potentially a vulnerable act. But these examples of true greatness have touched and inspired me more than almost anything else. Your writing is wonderful! Your wisdom valid for today. But to have these little glimpes into the ways you live it is such a gift! Thank you!

  God has called me to be an encourager and I do this with great delight, and sometimes a bit of fear but I have never regretted inspiring someone to be all they can be. This chapter has really challenged me to grow in this area! Blessings to you!
  Trudy

  Edits:

  Communicators who connect know what actress Lisa Kirk did, when she said, (Edit suggestion: replace ‘did’ with ‘knew’)
  Speakers too often have the attitude, This what I think; sit down, and listen. (Missing the word ‘is’ after ‘This’)