Better conversations

Care & listen :)

Richie Cartwright
Nov 8 · 1 min read

A few years ago, this changed how I interact with people. I try to be genuinely interested and ask genuinely interested questions.

Summary:

  1. Be interested — you have something to learn
  2. No ego — strive for connection
  3. Listen — ask questionsyou have something to learn

Sometimes I take this too far and don’t open up enough myself — so come across as too intense. I’m working on this :)

  1. Don’t multitask (4:27)
    Be present.
  2. Don’t pontificate (4:50)
    Enter every conversation as if you have something to learn.
  3. Use open ended questions (6:02)
    Desire to learn.
  4. Go with the flow (6:39)
    Strive for connection.
  5. If you don’t know, say that you don’t know (7:26)
    Put down your ego.
  6. Don’t equate your experience with theirs (7:46)
    Listen — it’s not about you.
  7. Try not to repeat yourself (8:26)
    Abstract to higher level reasoning to escape entrenched positions.
  8. Stay out of the weeds (8:46)
    People care about you, not the details.
  9. Listen (9:08)
    Pay attention — listen with the intent to understand.
  10. Be brief (10:29)

“Keep your mind open and be prepared to be amazed.”

Richie Cartwright

Written by

Founder of FlowX | Data Scientist

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade