Talk less to make and maintain connections

Next time you’re speaking with others, observe the conversation.
You’ll see that everybody talks about themselves. Speak only when you’re certain that what you’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.

Listen to understand, not to answer.
When you enter a conversation, the goal is to understand what the other person wants to tell you. Listen with the intent to understand. That’s called empathic listening.

Focus on the emotions for better understanding.
Listen to what’s being said and consider accompanying emotions as well. That’s how you foster understanding and connection between you and the speaker.

Live by your sayings, don’t just preach them.
Ask yourself: “Who do I want to be in the world out there?” And then live by it. If you want to be kind, then be kind. If you want to be patient, then be patient. If you want to be honest, then be honest.