I hope you enjoyed our 16-part series of Soul Food with Mark Conner on the important topic of relational intelligence. Life is all about relationships. As we enhance our sense of connection with the people in our life, everybody wins. The topics covered in this Relational Intelligence series were: Listening. Emotional Intelligence. Empathy. Authenticity. Love … Continue reading Relational Intelligence
Soul Food Episode 46 – Feedback
One of the characteristics of wise people is that they are open to feedback. Feedback from other people can give us needed insight not only into our own lives but into any issue or challenge we may be considering. If you reject feedback, you will hinder your own personal growth. All of us have things … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 46 – Feedback
Soul Food Episode 45 – Assertiveness
One of the keys to good relationships is learning to be ‘lovingly assertive’. Yes, it really is possible to be both ‘loving’ and ‘assertive’. Some people tend to be ‘under-assertive’. They can’t set boundaries or limits. They can never say “no” ... or at least not without feeling guilty. They are easily manipulated by stronger … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 45 – Assertiveness
Soul Food Episode 44 – Friendship
Have you noticed that humans have an inbuilt longing for connection with other people? Of course, good relationships and friendships don’t just ‘happen’. They have to be cultivated and nurtured intentionally. Each of us has various circles or levels of friendship. • Acquaintances – these are the dozens and maybe even 100s of people you know but … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 44 – Friendship
Soul Food Episode 43 – Apology
Have you ever had a conflict? Maybe a better question would be, “When was your last conflict?” As we do life with other people it is inevitable that conflicts and disagreements will occur. How successfully we resolve those conflicts will have a big impact on our lives. In most conflicts, there are wrongs on both sides. The … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 43 – Apology
Soul Food Episode 42 – Encouragement
Someone once said that “encouragement is like oxygen to the soul”. Each one of us thrives in an environment of affirmation and encouragement. In contrast, no one likes to be in an atmosphere where we are being torn down or ridiculed. Come on ... who likes to work for a boss who only speaks to … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 42 – Encouragement
Soul Food Episode 41 – Acceptance
One of the deepest needs in every human being is to be accepted – just as we are, warts and all. In fact, many people will do almost anything ... just to be accepted by others. If you want to enhance your own relationships, why not give others the gift of acceptance. Choose to value and respect … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 41 – Acceptance
Soul Food Episode 40 – Anger
Have you been angry lately? Anger is a common emotion. Every person has times when they experience feelings of annoyance, irritation, resentment, or anger. There are two common causes of anger. Firstly, there is frustration. Frustration occurs when our goal is blocked. Maybe the driver in front of you is going 10 kilometers under the speed limit … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 40 – Anger
Soul Food Episode 39 – Atmosphere
Every room has an atmosphere – it includes factors such as the temperature of the room, the lighting, and the freshness of the air – or the lack of it. In the same way, every relationship and every group – whether it’s a team or a family – has an atmosphere. This atmosphere is a … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 39 – Atmosphere
Soul Food Episode 38 – Trust
Someone once said that trust is the glue of all relationships. Trust holds things together. In contrast, when there is no trust, relationships start to break down. Trust creates confidence and removes suspicion and fear. When trust is high in a relationship, you could even say the wrong thing and it will be okay. People … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 38 – Trust
Soul Food Episode 37 – Forgiveness
Many years ago I was on a building site and I was cutting through a piece of wood with an electric saw. Unfortunately, I cut through the wood and then took a chunk out of my finger. There was blood gushing everywhere. It really hurt. I rushed off to the hospital and got some stitches. Thankfully, … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 37 – Forgiveness
Soul Food Episode 36 – Confrontation
Many years ago, when I was in my 20s, I was a youth worker at a church. At that time, we had a guest speaker from Africa. His name was Elijah Maswangungi. After his visit, I was given the task of driving him to the airport. On the way, he spent some time encouraging me. … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 36 – Confrontation
Soul Food Episode 35 – Love Languages
If I say to you, ‘Te Amo mucho!’ you might be wondering what’s wrong with me ... that’s unless you speak a little Spanish. In Spanish, ‘Te Amo mucho’ means, "I love you very much!” As you can see, these words only have meaning if the person I am speaking to understands the language I … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 35 – Love Languages
Soul Food Episode 34 – Authenticity
A few years ago, I was having lunch with a friend of mine. I asked him how he was doing and he said he was doing “great.” He went on to tell me a bunch of good things happening in his life. He then asked me how I was doing. I hesitated at first but … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 34 – Authenticity
Soul Food Episode 33 – Empathy
My dad was an orphan who never knew his mum or his dad. He grew up in foster homes and boys' homes. Despite this, he tried to be the best dad he could be to my sister and me. However, he often missed my birthdays and special events when I was growing up. He would be … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 33 – Empathy