Complimentary Connections

Spirituality doesn’t start or end with us realizing we have a Divine connection with the Universe. Acknowledging that connection is certainly a major part of our spiritual lives, but first we need to acknowledge our connection to each other. More to the point, how we interact with each other one to one.

Yesterday, Mike Sigers posted Flattery Versus The Compliment at Simplenomics. Mike was specifically targeting the message to people involved in sales. As I read it, though, he could have been talking to any group or any individual. We will all be better off if we heed his words:

“A compliment is what the person wanted to hear, while flattery is praise to which he is totally indifferent.”

Didn’t you ever wonder why some people seem to have a general connection and others act like they were born in a kelly-green plaid polyester suit? The connected ones know the difference between giving an honest and genuine compliment while the polyester suit people transparently throw out wholesale sound bites.

Go gently. An out-of-the-box compliment will often sound like a piece of fakery. It also has a tendency to put people off.

Listen first. Small talk never hurt anybody. Getting to know what makes the other person tick will open the door for authentic compliments.

Be real. Most people are uncomfortable on a pedestal. We are God-like; not God.

Yes, we are connected and it’s a good idea to work on our inter-personal connections so we can realize the Universal connection.