"Before you spend too much time worrying about unrealistic expectations in regards to the person who came before you, get aligned with your new boss about the goals of your role and your responsibilities.

"Casual conversations can sometimes lead us to moments of real connection.

"Do your conversations constantly fall flat because you keep asking boring and dull questions?

"Before you relegate a person to the “no” or “pass” pile, address your reasons for putting them there by asking 'So what?

"Take a look at what you’re wearing — does it convey the complex, intriguing person that you are?

"Take the strategy employed by memory athletes to memorize decks of cards and thousands of digits of pi, and adapt it to get over stranger-name forgetfulness.

"What if your attachment to being a "good" person is holding you back from actually becoming a better person?

Take the quiz at Saleforce.

"Your mind moves you, but how you move also affects your mind.

"If you’ve ever experienced pleasure from people’s failures, well, join the rest of us.

"Kio Stark loves to talk to strangers — but she knows every exchange started is one that must be ended.

According to Eric Barker (photo, left), "I’ve posted about the fundamentals of networking, and even how introverts can network but many people have written to me asking about the nitty gritty of conversation skills.

"When should you put it on them--and when should you put it on yourself?

"Emotions and work are a weird thing.

"The more self-aware you are, the more effective you can be.

"Ever get an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach during a job interview?

"Career-building isn't about the chase; it's an ultra-marathon, not a sprint.

"To deal with toxic people effectively, you need an approach that enables you, across the board, to control what you can and eliminate what you can’t.

"Don't avoid confrontation.

"Check out how your place in the high school ecosystem is likely affecting you today.

"Most people show at least three.

"Having a cluttered desk or inappropriate items in your workspace could be making a bad impression on your colleagues or employers.

"Actually, it’s not just managers that don’t listen – it’s also employees, husbands, wives, kids, students, teachers, and just about human being with two ears.

"Employers will look for you to demonstrate listening skills during job interviews.

"Practicing "active listening" is a good way to improve your listening skills.