“Everyone you meet knows something you don’t know but need to know. Learn from them.”

~ Carl Jung

StarDate 2024.0107 sent from Montgomery, AL

Y.6 N.1 – A New Word I’m Using This Year

Hi ,

About this time of year, my friends and I share emails, Marco Polo videos, and text messages (and, you know me I do a lot of letters in the mail, as well) to share our “word of the year.” As 2023 came to a close, I “thought” I had my word…and then, last night on my flights back to MGM I opened my little green notebook and put what is IN my mind ON to paper.

You see, for 2-ish years, I asked leaders, groups, and coaching clients a version of this question:

"What connections are weak in your workspace/unit/squadron?"

Over and over and over again, people handed me a slip of paper, texted me, wrote me emails, talked to me in the hallways, and found my social media feeds… and, ultimately, they told me there were many mis-connections.

Dis-connections.

Weak…connections.

After those 24 months, I was able to identify 7 common connections that we can - and must - strengthen; I promise to more about those this year. For now, I want to share what I’m doing because of that research. I placed the following on LinkedIn this morning, you can get there by visiting here: https://connectate.space

(The final draft was produced after using ChatGPT4.0 for 37 minutes through +20 engineered prompts to get the following overview of the word "Connectate.")

To connectate means to embody a holistic process of active engagement with both the self and the external environment that creates a deeper connection that is introspective AND extrospective. 

holistic process

active engagement

self

external environment

deeper connection

introspective

extrospective

Each one of those terms/words is equally important. I am not able to reduce the definition any more right now...

To connectate, enter your next experience fully present and sense how you understand what's happening while incorporating the meaning you give to that experience. This integration facilitates a more reflective and profoundly intuitive understanding of oneself, others, and the broader context of our existence. Crafting a more complete self-concept that resonates with the intricate patterns of life involves conscious awareness and integration of sensory perceptions and internal narratives. 

Office environment with a group of professionals in a collaborative meeting. Imagined by DALL·E on 7Jan2024 at 14.07 CST using ChatGPT 4.0.

‘Connectate' is the art of connecting dots – not just any dots, but the profound points of our existence.

Our experienced life is shaped through Connectation

Going into our next experience with eyes, mind, ears, and body open to a greater understanding blends intrigue with insight for a harmonious life. The importance of the term or concept 'Connectate' lies in its power to disrupt the autopilot mode of our daily existence. Instigating intentional pauses and reflections, akin to a designer's iterative contemplation of a project in her portfolio, allows for reimagining life's narrative. Each moment becomes a rich opportunity for innovation and creativity, transforming routine interactions into gateways for profound insights.

"Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them."

- John C. Maxwell, author of "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" (1) 

Connectating is not merely a practice but a lifestyle, a purposeful and insightful approach to work and life that creates meaning and fosters connection. To experience continual professional development and personal enlightenment, bridge the gap between your experience (the inner world) and the wider world’s design (our surroundings).

"The best leaders I’ve gotten to know aren’t just the boldest thinkers; they are the most insatiable learners."

- Bill Taylor, cofounder of FastCompany magazine." (2)

It is your time to connectate… not to just think, “That’s a good idea, I should do that,” but accept this call to take action. Development - especially leader development - is about forging pathways between our aspirations and the world’s challenges. Now is your time to harness the strength found through connective experiences - acknowledge our diversity of thought, questioning assumptions, and corking collaboratively to get more of the right things done.

I challenge you to choose one aspect of your life or work where you can apply Connectation. How will you embrace 'Connectate' to create positive change in your sphere of influence?

Reflect deeply, engage authentically, and observe the transformation that unfolds. This is not just about personal development; it's about redefining your impact on the world. 

#Eamus,

JW

(1) John Maxwell quote from his LinkedIn page @ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/officialjohnmaxwell_leaders-must-be-close-enough-to-relate-to-activity-6483692726649962496-VdBF/?trk=public_profile_like_view 

(2) Bill Taylor quote from HBR article The Best Leaders are Insatiable Learners @ https://hbr.org/2014/09/the-best-leaders-are-insatiable-learners