Before I drew a card this morning I was thinking about the importance of an invitation - the manner it is offered, the words and attitude that characterise it and how best to elicit an affirmative response. I realise that what I am seeking to learn and explore more is how to invite others effectively. Is there even such a thing as the most effective invitation? It seems to rest on so many different factors including the type of relationship I may have with the recipient. What courtesy helps me to understand as I think about the manner I may go about inviting people to enter into a coaching relationship with me, to join me in learning about serving the community or simply to deepen friendship by going for a coffee is, that people respond to being honoured no matter what the scenario. I can authentically show that they matter to me by the way that I treat them and that has its root in the manner, form and words I use. It goes beyond the superficial need to develop a client base but means that friendships are formed based on something strong and long lasting. It runs counter to the manner in which many businesses run that seems so impersonal and often leaves me feeling not cared for and invisible. This I wish to avoid. I realise that the nature and type of invitation will adapt to the type of interaction that I have with the recipient, it all boils down to the nature of the relationship. How I chose to develop, nurture and grow that relationship will be evident in the time and care I take with that person. It means knowing where that person is in relation to what it is I have to offer. Indiscriminately offering things to people without knowing their needs and wants would obviously turn them off. I can be a mirror to the value of others by listening, remaining attentive and alert in interactions and focussing on them.
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