Key learnings from 30 years alive.
- Try to understand the person.
- Give them value. Including: connections, advice or input, personal stories.
- If you can’t add value, acknowledge what they said, label it. “You seem to be on a beautiful journey and it seems very important to you. I wish you more than luck.”
You need to be able to share about yourself. Advice is fine, but ask whether they want it. Hear them out. Then answer vulnerably. Then they will truly open up.
Great questions and prompts to ask:
- What is driving you right now in life?
- Share something with me about yourself. Whatever you want!
- What occupies your mind most of the time?
Generally ask “What” questions instead of “Why”, as they give clearer answers. For example: “What makes you want to quit your job?” instead of “Why do you want to quit it?” The “Why” part is usually clear (“I want more fulfillment”), while the “What” question will give you more context.