There is connection, and then there is radical human connection (RHC). What? You’ve never heard of it? Well, for starters, this is not about a fancy acronym. Not by a long shot. It’s a challenge to ignite human connection.
Why don’t we talk more about how we connect as fellow humans? Is it perhaps that as human beings we gloss over some of the most powerful ways to engage with each other in our crazy schedules? Or is it easier to avoid rocking the proverbial boat?
RHC is connection on steroids. Like greetings, it is the art, stance, and practice of connecting consciously, intentionally, and mindfully – and then normalizing living it. Living and doing it how what exactly? By genuinely, authentically, connecting consciously, intentionally, and mindfully with fellow beings.
Radical human connection is the kind of connection that transcends all forms of difference – real or imagined – and assists us in establishing – or finding – resonance with others even where we typically find dissonance, discord, or conflict.
The idea is not to make this an academic, intellectual, or theoretical exercise.
It is a way of being. A way of living with and among others in a manner that enables us to see people as they are. Choosing to be naturally and consistently attuned without latching onto learned or inherited narratives and constructs that separate and disconnect us from each other. It can be regarded as a way of life that empowers us to deploy what we have coined as ‘Ubuntu Intelligence’.
RHC seeks to establish mutually beneficial partnerships and nourishing relationships for the collective good of all humanity. It is the conscious, intentional leveraging of connections that nourish relationships across and beyond constructed narratives.
Radical connection seeks to dismantle inherited perspectives and ways of “being human” that feed off separation, fragmentation, and disconnection.
As a global coach, I believe that successful future coaches will master this stance and skill (yes, there is a skill to it) that starts with what I have termed ‘conscious greeting’. This begins with an internal adjustment and tuning one’s worldview to the connection frequency. We can learn these radical connection skills more naturally than artificial intelligence algorithms (AI). We embody the inclination to tune in to fellow beings – until we are programmed otherwise.
This said, AI and other advanced technologies are already learning these connection skills. As human beings, especially human coaches, we would do well to become radical human connectors who tune in as our first nature, even when in partnership with Artificial intelligence (AI). This will allow us to ‘stay ahead of the game’, so to speak.
Our work is not even half done until we find each other in that safe space where we can truly be ourselves. It starts with a radical human connection.
Afrika Coaching is a leading coaching firm that empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential.
