The shared understanding that builds relationships starts with genuine, active listening, which is a neglected art in a world filled with distractions and multitasking.

• Turn your phone into aeroplane mode and go somewhere to talk to a colleague where people would not interrupt you.
• Reset your mindset about what a discussion is, as we are trained only to listen long enough to load our ‘reply’ rifle.
• Only paying surface-level attention to your colleague and waiting for your turn is not going to cut it, and one has to pay real attention here.

• Workplace conversation used to take place near the water cooler, usually involving current events, sitcoms, or the weather.
• The pandemic shifted most of the communication in the hands of technology with Zoom, Slack and email being our only channels to converse with coworkers.
...