Ten Percenters

Oh, how easy it all is until that 2nd person shows up with their own ideas and opinions. It can be a challenge listening to someone who you feel you share nothing in common with. In fact, it is ridiculously difficult when you are quite certain there is no common ground when it comes to – well, anything.

So, what to do? What to do? It could start off with you simply listening intently to whatever is being said and then coming up with one thing that you actually like about what the other person shared. It can be anything. The passion with which they speak. Or the extensive research they have done. But you must be truthful on what you like. Lying is not helpful. From there add your own singular thought based on what you like about what they shared.

Because if we can find just 10% of something to embrace during a challenging conversation, it opens up the options on how the interaction proceeds. Not only that, but it shows respect because you are intently listening, as well as adding to the conversation in a healthy manner.