What Do You Do?

A recent Wall Street Journal article is titled “Stop Asking ‘What Do You Do.’” Writer Joanne Lipman says the almost-exclusively American conversation opener is a holdover from our Protestant work ethic roots. But for those who may be going through a transitional phase (like a layoff) or who are choosing differently (like a stay-at-home parent) … Continue reading What Do You Do?

Learning to Dance

Each conversation is a dance that we discover as it unfolds, with its own rhythm, flavor, flow. The pleasure we and our partners derive from this dance will depend in no small measure on how well we improvise, moment by moment, phrase by phrase, instinct by instinct. And yes— on how well we talk!

Making Real Connections

Confession: I’m an extrovert who dislikes networking events. I like meeting new people, but I find making small talk tedious within a few minutes of arriving. Superficial chat exhausts me, and it’s rare to make a true connection at most business events or parties.