Engagement Is An Exchange
It is the fabric of community and the foundation of every meaningful relationship.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa
Engagement is a two way street.
You must give to receive. Lead with an ask, and engagement never sees the light of day. Lead with a gift, and engagement blooms. But this is only the beginning.
Engagement is a dialog, not a monologue.
You cannot give endlessly with nothing in return. Acknowledgment is a start, but the other person must reciprocate. You don’t need an audience in a lecture hall. You need meaningful conversation.
Engagement requires vulnerability.
You must open up to get to the chewy center where real experiences lie. Small talk is good for breaking the ice, but value comes from sharing meaningful insights. And such insights are never found on the surface.
Engagement rewards each participant.
Each of you share different perspectives, unique and unavailable anywhere else. You live vicariously through each other in the stories you tell. You leave a piece of you with them and they with you.
Engagement builds lasting relationships.
Sharing something personal with another human being is the essence of community. All relationships are built on this kind of intimacy. If you aren’t willing to engage on this level, then your relationships will always be mere acquaintances. You will preach to people you do not know or understand.
Engagement provides the strength to carry on.
Even in the best of times, Life can take its toll. Who will catch you when you fall? Who will encourage you to take another step? Who will remind you of what matters most? Strength is sometimes needed in others.
You are a social creature who requires deep connections.
You will shrivel to a dry husk without them. Seek dialog, not audience. Cultivate meaningful relationships. And be grateful for the gift of each one.
🤔 Food for Thought:
Are you engaging or lecturing?
Do you give as much as you receive?
What have the experiences of others meant to you?
⚙️ One Small Step:
The next time you run across something that resonates, send the author a note thanking them for sharing their creation. Include what you find most valuable. This is what it means to lead with a gift.