Working in Human Resources definitely hinges on talking to people well. We learn not only the importance of getting out and talking with people, but also to actively listening to have a meaningful conversations. Believe it or not, most of us don’t converse very well at all. In an insightful TED talk, Celeste Headlee shares 10 rules that make for having better conversations.

10 Ways To Have A Better Conversation

1. Don’t Multitask, Be Present
2. Don’t be a pundit (did we ask for an opinion)
3. Use open-ended questions
4. Go with the flow
5. If you don’t know, say you don’t know
6. Don’t equate your experience with theirs
7. Try not to repeat yourself
8. Stay out of the weeds (forget the details)
9. Listen (if your mouth’s open, your not listening. listen to understand and not to respond)
10. Be Brief (short like a mini skirt, but enough to ensure the right things are covered)

To sum, a good conversation takes brevity, honesty, clarity and actively listening that means “paying attention” and “listening to understand” and not to just respond. I think we all can work on this. I know I will.

Until next time.., concurring with Headlee, “Go out, talk to people, listen to people. And, most importantly, be prepared to be amazed.”