When someone is saying something, just listen. When someone is asking something, just listen. Let them finish. Count to 2. 1....2.... THEN, speak. Respond to what THEY said instead of initially inserting your idea. This is how it might sound. Them: "I am thinking about how to approach this project. What do you think?" You: THINK this: 1....2....maybe 3. THEN, you can say: "Tell me about your ideas." When you invite someone to talk about their ideas

Usually, I insist that we shouldn't assume, because assumptions are not facts. That still holds true even while I suggest we should assume this: positive intent. What does that even mean? When someone says, "You did that wrong," we respond to the perceived attack with a defense. Instead, assume they mean well, and respond with a question such as: “How would you approach it?” Your curiosity will lead a conversation instead of an attack & defend scen