I love dogs and would have a houseful if the rest of my family agreed. I’m also a communication skills coach, so I naturally greet the dogs, cats, and people I meet on my walks, often with just a smile or a friendly hello.
This morning, I met this collarless cutie.
We made eye contact.
I smiled, said, “Hello there!”, and kept walking.
She decided to come with me.
Every so often, she’d stop to sniff something. I’d keep walking, hoping she’d head home. Instead, she’d sprint ahead of me, glance back with a huge grin, and seem to say, “Come on, new friend!”
She followed me all the way home.
It got me thinking…
Leaders often hire me because they want to communicate more clearly, concisely, and confidently. We work on their content and confidence. Then we make a small shift to connection.
Before people buy into your ideas, they decide whether they want to engage with you.
A genuine smile.
A warm greeting.
These small moments invite trust.
Whether you’re leading a team, meeting a client, or coaching a colleague, slow down a beat. Focus on your connection. Then, share your content.
Take it from a communication skills coach… and her new French Bulldog friend.
P.S. If you’d like an update on “Frenchie,” send me a DM. As I write this, I’m hoping she’s been reunited with her family. If not… she may have found one.