People need each other and with isolation coming from the shutdown and social distancing that is true more than ever. With distance between people increasing figuratively and literally, it has become increasingly difficult to stay connected. So what should you do?

Pick up the phone and call someone!

Share a happy memory and make them feel good. The impact on you will be positive too. People are nervous today to call someone, especially a stranger, or someone they don’t know that well. That fear may make them hesitant to reach out. Lots of people have resorted to texting as that has become the path of least resistance. Texting may be a more comfortable form of interaction and it does maximize flexibility as there is no
immediacy of response required. It is just one inanimate object communicating with another. The downside is the other person doesn’t get to hear your voice. The spoken word is powerful. Hearing that compliment gets to the heart faster and most of the time deeper inside of you as well.

The world today does not appear to be a kind place. You can make a difference more today than ever before. Give someone a compliment. Be positive and uplifting. This behavior will truly standout as everyone else is complaining about something. Verbal communication increases the back and forth required for connectivity. Hearing the other person and listening to what they are saying brings you closer together. By being positive you invite the other person to be on your side. Everyone loves to be complimented. It makes you feel like you are noticed and your actions had an impact on another person. After all, happiness begets happiness. People prefer to be around happy, positive people. Set the example and others will follow happily along.

Remember, leaders do things differently. They don’t follow the crowd. Sharing with others will help them see that you care.

After all, voice is central to communication.