Build Bridges, not Boxes.

Too much of our interaction with others involves putting each other in boxes. Recently the Associate Press was ridiculed for a style guide tweet suggesting we avoid using phrases such as “the disabled, the poor, or the French.” Whilst this prompted some understandable humor (The French Embassy in Washington, DC, reportedly suggested changing its name to The Embassy of Frenchness), the underlying attempt to avoid boxing or categorizing people is laudable, even if the implementation was flawed.

I am English by birth, Canadian, and American by naturalization. The process of embracing three nationalities has awakened me to the many differences between my fellow citizens and me, despite the commonalities we share. In my adopted nation, it is often presumed that I am the same as all other English people, even though America is a nation with increasing numbers of dividing boxes into which her citizens are categorized.

It comes down to an “Us vs. Them” mentality which ultimately is a loss to us all. When we use labels or categories to dismiss, ignore, or rise above others, we acquiesce to the base side of our nature. Whether in justice, politics, or sports, this divisiveness is hemorrhaging life out of our society.

My goal in communication coaching is to help anyone who wants to turn the tide by building bridges across society’s divides. If I can learn to make a positive connection with you, despite our differences, then the cost to me is far outweighed by the benefits to us both. I am expressing value when I reach out to you in your preferred communication style.

I am passionate about learning and teaching the Life Languages Communication IQ system. Seven distinct, identifiable Life Languages that we all share. What a joy to know how to switch from my most familiar languages to those I speak less fluently so that I can make a positive, effective connection with someone else.

Are you tired of all the labels and divisions? Let’s build more bridges. I can teach you.