Connect Relate Motivate, 2nd Edition

Foreword

From the moment we take our first breath to the moment we die, we are in some way communicating with the world around us. For all the practice we get, though, not all of us are that good at it. Agreed?

But there are exceptions. You just happen to be reading a book written by one of those exceptions. Rik Rushton. He’s an expert on the subject of communication.

Now having been to a few karaoke bars, I realise knowing the words to a song doesn’t make you a great singer. Likewise, being an expert on your topic doesn’t make you a great communicator. But you can relax. Rik is both an expert and someone who has the ability to communicate his expertise in an eloquent, enlightening and engaging way.

When Rik sent over the manuscript and asked me to write the foreword, I was honoured. I’ll be honest with you though, I was also extremely busy. So I decided I would read most of the book and simply scan the rest.

But I didn’t. I read it all. Every single word. You see, that’s Rik’s skill. Through his storytelling and his easy and accessible writing style he draws you into the subject.

As you’ll discover, some of Rik’s insights are not only profound, but also deeply personal. Trust me, if you don’t know Rik when you start reading the book, you’ll feel like you do by the time you finish.

Now, I’m fortunate. I know Rik both as a colleague and a friend. We’ve spoken at conferences together. I know his family. I’ve stayed at his home. I’ve even bonded with his dogs, Ted and Ferris! ...