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Something Worth SharingThe Power of Breaking Bread The trip I mentioned last week to Malta was primarily to meet business colleagues we’ve been working with for three years and yet have never physically met. The timing and location worked brilliantly to get together in the same place last week - and while there was apprehension, being able to see them face to face was brilliant. More than this, however, was the power of breaking bread together. The expression ‘breaking bread’ means more than just eating; it is sharing a sense of kinship with someone or some group of people. It is a significant event that fosters some meaningful connection and cooperation. Of course the origins of ‘breaking bread’ are Biblical; Jesus supposedly broke bread with his Disciples. What we found last week is that the act of a meal - especially one that isn’t too formal (we ate in a Lebanese restaurant which is based on sharing) - allows greater connection, communication and compassion. Sitting together, sharing time, focus and a meal creates an acceleration and depth for relationships. Do you work and associate with people you’d break bread with? Is this something you’d consider? For us, it is a key aspect of our business culture; our team and clients are people we would, and do, break bread with. I once worked with a business that hired on the basis of: ‘would you have a barbecue with this person?’ (they were Australian). Sharing meals - and rituals associated with food and drink - goes back as far as time began and span all cultures of the world, with good reason. Turn the mobile device off, unplug, and enjoy good food and excellent company!
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