Do you want a quick and easy way to make a connection with others? They will pay more attention to you, better remember what you say and do, and it only takes 3-5 seconds… make eye contact.
Eye contact increases your bond with others, displays honesty, builds trust and increases understanding. As a result, others feel more empathy, are more self-aware and feel safer being honest with you.
In her book, Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Jill shares how after her stroke, she could easily sense the people who were there to care for & help her or those who were just ‘going through the motions.’ She said, “I needed them to look me in the eye… to just bring their hope and their energy to me, as opposed to taking energy away. It was all I had at that moment.”
As healthcare providers, our own energy reserves are low, and it can be challenging to share the little energy we have. But in only a few seconds, we can contribute to others, and of course, that goodness comes back to us, filling us up. Imagine how good it feels to be both the giver and the receiver of safety, honesty, trust, and understanding- or just try it for yourself.
