As I have said the other myTake - Why Kindness is the biggest strenght you can have - listening and being kind to others are skills that can noticeably improve our relationships, both personal and professional.
The key to this is in my opinion, being interested to others.
I always have had this tendency to talk with everyone, learn about them and try to make good of what I learn to strike up friendships or at least work relationships. I always talk and interact with people of all types, of different cultural backgrounds, gender and opinions, and this is something that can be really useful and beneficial for all the parties involved. Both in online interactions, and IRL interactions, both at work and in the free time.
So, let's see why I find other people interesting.
- You can never know what you'll find
Every person has a different personal treasure made up of emotions, experiences and knowledge.
Showing yourself sincerely interested, and actually being so, will encourage them to share a bit of their treasure with you.
What they share is directly proportional to the level of the relationship
The closer you are, the more the other person trusts you, the more they'll be willing to share. It's a beautiful cycle - the more you nurture the relationship, the more they'll share; the more they share, the easier is to nurture the relationship.
- Aim to avoid the spotlight for yourself
In simple words, aim to be less self serving.
This is something I admit I tend to do, hogging the spotlight, so I'm working to reduce that. When you’re in conversations with people, give the other person the spotlight. Avoid getting into social situations just to talk about yourself. Give others the moment to shine and allow them to talk about themselves.
- Everyone has hidden depths
Never take anyone at face value.
That easy going and goofy guy?
Maybe he has deeper and more mature thoughts that he may let on, and he'd be glad to share them with you and hear what you think about them.
That silent and mild-mannered woman?
Maybe she has a burning passion for the things she's interested in, and would be delighted to share that world with you.
The old folks down the street?
They surely can have plenty of stories and breathtaking experiences they can tell you in.
- Be prepared
It's beautiful to never know what you may find, but sometimes you may find more than you thought, or not always positive things.
Be prepared for that.
With the right amount of empathy and understanding, you can be of help and make that person trust you more, improving the relationship in the process.
- Maintain your critical thinking
I'll never say this enough, and encourage the intelligent and conscientious people to think for themselves. There's a difference between being kind and understanding; and being a pushover and a sycophant.
Don't compromise your ideals, morals and ethics. Don't tolerate toxic or inappropriate behavior if you don't want to, and you certainly don't have to.
You can discuss, confront and share ideas in a civil and constructive debate though.
- Give back
That's really important. The most beautiful thing about this kind of interactions can be a two-way street. The other people are sharing their personal treasure of experiences and knowledge with you. If they are interested, do the same.
This way you'll both learn new things and improve your relationship as a whole.
This is just something priceless in my opinion.
So!
What are your thoughts? Thanks for reading, and don't be shy to share what you think!
An hug from me,
Jean
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