What’s Going On?

Has anybody asked you this lately? Or maybe the ubiquitous, "How are you doing?" Perhaps you even asked these questions.

The answers are as empty as the questions: "Fine." "Okay." " Good."

You might even get another greeting in reply: "Fine. How about you?"

These questions are often a substitute for saying "hello" to another person. They are non-questions or at least ones we might not actually want answered. Most of the time, we are extending pleasantries. We don't *really* want to know.

A colleague and I recently got on a video call and I was asked, "What's going on?" to which I replied, after a brief hesitation, "It's been one heck of a day, I'm really tired." I then proceeded to express the reason for my tiredness.

It was not the expected answer and we had a chat (and a laugh) about the exchange and how common it is for us to ask these questions without thinking. And how uncommon it is for us to answer the way I chose this time.

What if we simply extended a greeting?

Or, even better, what if we asked a question that would lead to connection with the other person?👍

1️⃣ What's the best moment of your day so far?

2️⃣ What makes you smile?

3️⃣ What are you looking forward to?

4️⃣ What strength do you wish more people knew about you?

5️⃣ What song is running through your head today?

What other question(s) might you ask that would lead to a meaningful connection? Let me know!

Certainly, this is not a "new" situation. My recent personal experience raised my awareness again.

I long for connection. As humans, we are wired for connection. It's been in shorter supply lately for many of us.

I challenge you, during your next encounter with another human, ask a meaningful question and have a real conversation.

Connect with the other person.

See if you feel a lift, lighter, perhaps even satisfaction in response to the quick engagement.

See if it helps you become a better leader.

Create your life.