How to be more Connection Intelligent, with Jenny Ainsworth
In a world where our teams are spread across different locations and generations, feeling truly connected can be a challenge. We have more tools than ever to communicate, yet loneliness and misunderstanding are on the rise. This has a real impact on everything from team morale to efficiency. In this episode, I speak with Jenny Ainsworth about her new book and framework, "Connection Intelligence," which offers a new way to bridge these divides.
We explore why the old ways of engaging with our teams are no longer enough and how a deeper understanding of different perspectives is essential for any leader.
Here are three key things we discussed:
✳️ The evolution of intelligence in the workplace, moving beyond IQ and EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to include DQ (Digital Quotient) and, most importantly, CQ (Connection Intelligence).
✳️ Why so many employees feel disconnected and lonely, even when they are part of a remote or hybrid team, and how this impacts the business.
✳️ The "Acknowledge, Appreciate, and Align" framework - a practical method for understanding your own lens, respecting the views of others, and co-creating a better path forward.
Based on our conversation, here are three actions you can take this week:
✳️ Adopt the mantra "Show up, be seen, live brave." It’s a reminder to maintain momentum, especially when you’re navigating difficult circumstances.
✳️ Pick up a copy of "The Art of Explanation" by Ros Atkins to learn how to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.
✳️ Listen to an episode of "Desert Island Discs" featuring someone you’ve never heard of. It’s a powerful way to gain new perspectives from people outside your usual circle.
Buy Connection Intelligence UK 🇬🇧
Buy Connection Intelligence US 🇺🇸
Jennyainsworth.com ( assessment )
Timestamps
(00:00) - Introduction to a Changed World
(02:45) - Who is Jenny Ainsworth?
(03:40) - Introducing Connection Intelligence
(08:05) - Moving Beyond IQ and EQ
(11:13) - The Antidote to Disconnection
(16:06) - The 3A Framework: Acknowledge, Appreciate, and Align
(23:00) - The Organisational Impact of Connection Intelligence
(27:10) - How This Applies to Solopreneurs and Small Businesses
(36:42) - Three Actionable Things You Can Do Today
(44:24) - How to Connect with Jenny
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