So many of us with busy schedules are finding less and less time to connect with our significant relationships. Over the past couple years, I have found that some of the best connections with my people have happened in the car; using that time between activities and commitments to connect and be present with each other has sparked some of our best conversations. You might need to turn the volume down on the radio first, but it will be worth it.
Remember, open-ended questions are best to get the conversation going. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered in one word or with a “yes” or “no.” The close-ended question that never works for me is, “How was your day?” It typically prompts a “good,” or maybe a “fine.” So another suggestion might be, “What was most enjoyable about your day?” or “What class did you like best today and why?”
Some of the best recent connections with my teenaged daughter have been in the car. The last one that was very impactful for me was our discussion about what she wants to do for a career, prompting a further discussion about doing what you love and loving what you do. I wanted to keep driving, just so we could keep talking. In fact, I did.
One of my coaching mentors actually saves topics for conversation and discussion for her car rides with her significant other. What a great idea – no distractions, and a captive audience! Late-night talk show host James Coren has gone viral online with his Carpool Karaoke segments with Adele and other singers. He has made huge connections both online and with the singers using the car ride and his trademark humor.
What car connections can you create this week? How can you use that travel time to reinvigorate your relationships? I would love to hear some of your successes!
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