Anchor, Reveal and Encourage
Cinergy Nation,
In today’s world, one of the most vital questions we can ask ourselves is: “How am I showing up?” We all need help with this—myself included, and I handle 65 calls a month. It’s tough.
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just affect our health; it transformed our social skills as well. We’ve found ourselves confined to small boxes on a screen, struggling to communicate without the richness of body language or shared physical space. Some of us might even feel like we’re competing for the title of “Most Boring Person of the Year” on Zoom calls.
It’s time to address the elephant in the Zoom room—pandemic-induced brain fog has us stumbling through virtual meetings like we’ve just learned how to use a computer. But there’s a remedy for this digital daze, and it begins with being real, relatable, and connected.
You are much more than your digital avatar. You build things, employ people, and work incredibly hard, often for bosses who might not give you enough time off or pay you enough. But guess what? We can snap out of this stupor and bring humanity back into our digital interactions.
The Three-Step Process: Anchor, Reveal, Encourage
Anchor: Find points of personal connection. This involves identifying common ground with others on your call and using it as a springboard for deeper conversation. Perhaps you share a passion for hiking or grew up in the same city. Finding this anchor point creates positive relational capital and breaks down barriers.
Reveal: Share something personal about yourself. You might think you’re not interesting enough, but everyone has a story to tell. Whether it’s a hidden talent, a quirky hobby, or a funny childhood memory, revealing a bit of your authentic self allows others to see your true power and authenticity.
Encourage: Foster a culture of sharing. Opening up to a group of strangers can be daunting, but remember that we’re all in this together, facing similar challenges and uncertainties. Encourage others to speak up and share their perspectives. When everyone contributes, real magic happens.
Bringing Humanity Back to Digital Interactions
When you’re on a call, don’t just dive straight into the agenda like a robot. Take a moment to connect with your fellow participants on a personal level. Crack a joke, share a relatable anecdote, or ask how their day is going. These small acts remind us that there are real people behind those screens.
By anchoring our conversations in shared experiences, revealing our true selves, and encouraging open dialogue, we can transform our virtual meetings from mundane to meaningful. Together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Let’s reclaim our humanity in the digital age. Let’s get real, relatable, and connected. Because together, we can make our digital interactions as vibrant and authentic as our in-person ones.
Cinergy Nation, it’s time to show up—better, stronger, and more connected than ever before.
By implementing these steps, we can ensure that our digital presence is not just functional but also deeply human. Let’s embrace the Anchor, Reveal, Encourage methodology and revolutionize the way we connect online.