HN loves to hate "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and while it may be simplistic and trite, the basic premise is true of humanity from the beginning of

HN loves to hate "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and while it may be simplistic and trite, the basic premise is true of humanity from the beginning of time: we all want to feel listened to and understood. The ability to listen intently to another person - especially if you violently disagree with what they are saying - and attempt to understand their perspective and background, is an absolute superpower. Not only will that person potentially build a new respect for you, but others around you who observe you making these connections will also raise their estimation of your abilities and skills. And here's the real magic - often by listening, the speaker will develop a positive notion of you by virtue of the fact that you listened that will enable you to have conversations that would have otherwise been DOA, because now you've created an atmosphere of trust.