As time goes by, some of our relationships inevitably start to fall by the wayside. Life gets busy, and suddenly we realize that we haven’t spoken to that one childhood friend or extended family member in quite a while.
But with the holidays coming up, now is the perfect time to reach out and reconnect. And to help you pick up right where you left off, we recommend checking out the five remarkable reads below.
Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication
By Fred Dust
A former Senior Partner at legendary design firm IDEO realized that communication itself could be designed better by using the four elements of successful exchanges: Commitment, Creative Listening, Clarity, and Context. By staying mindful of these factors, all of our conversations become both more creative and more productive. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Fred Dust, in the Next Big Idea App
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters
By Kate Murphy
While someone else is speaking, we’re often not listening, but thinking about what we should say next. And when it’s our turn, we usually talk about ourselves rather than ask an earnest question. So in You’re Not Listening, a New York Times contributor dives deep into how we can improve the very real skill of listening. Watch our Q&A with author Kate Murphy
Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues
By David Bradford and Carole Robin
The instructors of the renowned Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business have collected their most powerful insights into a single transformative read. Whether you’re negotiating with a potential business partner or trying to reconnect with an old friend, Connect is an ideal guide to building better, stronger relationships. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by authors David Bradford and Carole Robin, in the Next Big Idea App
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter
By Celeste Headlee
Based on the acclaimed TED Talk with tens of millions of views, We Need to Talk outlines specific strategies anyone can use to have a better conversation. From checking our biases to becoming fully present to changing the way we use technology, we all have the power to make our conversations more engaging, productive, and meaningful. Read our conversation with author Celeste Headlee
Listen Like You Mean It: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection
By Ximena Vengoechea
An essential listening guide for our times, one that reveals tried-and-true strategies drawn from interviews with marriage counselors, podcast hosts, life coaches, journalists, filmmakers, and other listening experts. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Ximena Vengoechea, in the Next Big Idea App
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