At the end of last week, I witnessed a peculiar moment. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’ve been wronged, and those who are supposed to help seem indifferent?

A woman walked into a local bank, her voice tinged with frustration. It quickly became clear that she was dealing with a fraud case, as she spoke openly about it. Having experienced bank account hacking myself, I empathized with her as her story unfolded.

The man helping her was in a difficult position. She needed an immediate solution, but he couldn’t provide it directly. However, he could guide her to the right person if she answered a few questions. Unfortunately, she had no patience to go through a list of inquiries while her money was vanishing.

I had been reflecting on the 3 C’s of success throughout the week and realized that I was watching an opportunity to see them in action—if the banking officer knew how to proceed. I paid close attention, curious to see if he could help her shift from a state of fear-driven anger to someone who could regain control of the situation.

Careful Communication

The banker expressed empathy, reassuring the woman that she had come to the right place to resolve her issue and protect her funds. His words, carefully chosen, helped soothe her. He managed to ask a few critical questions seamlessly without her even noticing the formal nature of the inquiry.

Effective communication during a crisis is difficult for most people. They need a calming presence—someone who listens empathetically and uses a soft yet steady voice to guide them out of the emotional storm. The goal is to help them move from feeling like a victim to understanding that they can overcome the situation.

When done right, communication can shift anyone’s perspective. The key is to meet them where they are emotionally and gently guide them to see the benefits of adjusting their mindset.

A Personal Connection

As the woman began to calm down, the banker continued to build rapport. He shared his experience of being a fraud victim, assuring her that she, too, would soon get through her ordeal. He explained how following a specific process helped him resolve his issue successfully.

Her demeanor shifted from aggressive to cooperative. Now, she wanted to be part of the solution. The connection they built—through shared experiences—gave her hope for a positive outcome.

Connections are always personal at their core, whether in business or personal life. The secret is finding common ground, often through stories or experiences. In this case, the banker’s personal story helped her feel understood and connected.

An Opportunity for Collaboration

With the foundation laid, the banker explained the next steps she needed to take. He emphasized the importance of her role in the process and how her cooperation would empower the fraud specialist to succeed in recovering her funds. He reminded her of the stakes involved, clarifying that her collaboration was vital.

She was now composed and ready to act. No longer a passive victim, she saw herself as an active partner in the solution. At that moment, it was clear to both the banker and me that she would see success.

The 3 C’s of Success in Action

Witnessing this interaction unfold felt like a divine moment—a real-life example of the 3 C’s at work. The power of communication, connection, and collaboration to help people overcome challenges was undeniable. It may seem too good to be true, but combining these three principles really does lead to success.

When we communicate, which includes focused listening, and when we are genuine in sharing our experiences, we create opportunities for powerful collaboration. I’ve often been told that we can only accomplish so much as individuals. But with the help of others, we can exceed our limitations. The 3 C’s make that possible.

I look forward to hearing your success stories as you apply these principles and share life with others.

Copyright © 2024 by CJ Powers