good conversations with my M.I.N.C.E. P.I.E.S.

Do you find at this time of year you’re invited to so many additional events and expected to circulate and scintillate?

If that puts you off, I’ve come up with some handy hints and tips using my MINCE PIES metaphor!

Try them out and let me know how you get on!

🥧 Mindful in your Listening – Pay close attention to what others are saying without interrupting. Listen with your eyes, ears, heart, and respect. Think of the Stephen Covey quote, ‘Listen to understand rather than to respond’!

🥧 Interest – Show genuine interest in the other person’s life and experiences. Show you’re listening by asking follow-up questions based on what they’ve shared.

🥧 Non-judgmental – Approach conversations without making judgments. I know it’s easy to say and sometimes hard to do, but we all have different experiences and viewpoints, so try to avoid jumping to conclusions.

🥧 Curiosity – If you do find yourself going down the judgmental path, engage your best friend, curiosity. Asking more questions, helps us to be on the same page as someone else.

🥧 Engage – One of my mottos is, ‘If you’re in the room, be in the room’. Be fully present in the conversation and avoid distractions, especially your pesky phone.

🥧 Positivity – Keep the conversation light-hearted and upbeat. Share uplifting stories and avoid controversial or negative topics.

🥧 Inclusivity – If there’s more than one person in the group/room, try to include others in the conversation as it takes the pressure off you to talk.

🥧 Eulogise – Complimenting someone on what they’re wearing can really start a conversation. Whether I’m on the tube or in a crowded room, observing the little details about someone is a great way of starting a conversation. Not only that, but it makes us all feel more smiley when someone has noticed something about us.

🥧 Sincerity – Finally, with all of the above, be genuine in your interactions. When you connect with the real you, your words and actions will be authentic.

So there you have it – enjoy some good conversations with my M.I.N.C.E. P.I.E.S.!

For me, they’re both about savouring the moment, appreciating the richness of the experience, and sharing joy with others.