Create time for broader and meaningful conversation

Carve out small windows of time between small talk and specific agenda points to find out what’s going on with and motivating the people you’re working with.

For example "how things are going for you — any changes since we last spoke, what your priorities are right now, and what are the biggest challenges you’re facing.” You may feel that you’re being nosy, but whether it’s with colleagues or clients, when you ask these questions with genuine interest they tend to be well received.