By Steve Gahagen

The phrase, "you might be one relationship away from a new future" suggests the transformative power of connections and relationships. It implies that a single significant relationship or connection could change the course of your life. Sometimes, a single encounter can open doors, provide new perspective, or offer the support needed to steer your life in a different, more fulfilling direction.

The phrase reminds us of the importance of continuing to expand our network of relationships, even if not naturally inclined to do so. One of Gallup’s Seven Demands of Leadership is to grow your constituency or network. For leaders, every day is a recruitment day. But whether or not we perceive ourselves as a leader, on any given day we might make a connection that changes our lives. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities. 

Charles Dickens in Great Expectations writes:

That was a memorable day to me, for it made great changes in me. But it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day.

I remember such a day over a decade ago when I met Terrell Walters. Terrell was attending a training for church planting that I was hosting. He was a giant of a man - a black pastor who was serving the inner city after over a decade in federal prison for drug dealing and gang leadership. 

I didn’t expect any unusual encounters that day. However, that connection led to a long-term friendship and partnership in which we brought many people to a very tough neighborhood in Minneapolis to serve and expand our vision of what it means to work together no matter our color or economic standing. My relationship with Terrell changed my life, making me less fearful and more aware of the needs of others.

When I meet people, I love asking them questions about their lives. Everyone has a story. With just a few simple questions, most people will begin to share their story. Building relationships become easier when we truly value people and are in awe of the uniqueness of their journey. 

In 2024, you could be one relationship away from something very significant happening in your life. 

Questions to Consider:

1. Name a few unexpected connections in your life that ended up changing your story.

2. How could you leverage your strengths to develop a greater curiosity about people and continually grow your network of relationships?

3. Here are a few questions you could always be prepared to ask:

   • What’s your story? - I would love to hear more about you.

   • How did you get to where you are?

   • Of all the things you do well, what are you really good at?

   • What three positive words would people use to describe you?

4. What five people could you ask a few questions this week so that you can learn more about their story?