I am always fascinated by how people like to present themselves. From the casual conversation on an airplane to a more robust conversation in the office, people will often go out of their way to try and impress others. If you are trying to impress, you are most likely NOT connecting. It’s easy to communicate; it is something much different to connect.

Over the years, I have learned that people generally care about three things: themselves, their victories, and their struggles. This includes you. If you are trying to impress by talking about yourself, your victories, and your struggles, then you are not talking about things the other person cares about.

Paying Value to Others 

Author and speaker Denis Waitley once said, “The greatest communication skill is paying value to others.”  People want to be valued in their work and for who they are. One obstacle to…