It is impossible to fulfill your need for connection and meaning if you’re always interacting with others on the surface. We are all familiar with the surface-level “Hi—How are you?—I’m great, and you?” conversations at work and social events.

Slow down. Go deeper. Practice generous listening.

When someone senses that you are truly listening to them (and not simply waiting for your turn to speak), they will relax and share more openly.

Get curious about this remarkable person in front of you and put in the effort to try and understand their perspective.

Seek first to understand. Then to be understood. — Dr. Stephen Covey