I started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here. All my coping tips are under this tag.
Today’s tip is to show an active interest by asking questions about others when talking with them.
I like trying to engage with people in conversation. I don’t do it a lot, as I tend to be fairly introverted, but I have learned that when I decide to talk or listen to someone, I need to pay attention and focus.
I did this with one of the kids I coach recently. We had a few minutes, and I asked her how a school thing was going. She had said something the week before about a challenging time, so I followed up, asked how it went, and a few other questions based on her answers.
Reminds me of them times when my kids had really worked hard on something. This young lady detailed some challenges and how hard things were, but the enthusiasm and passion in her voice showed that she was proud of her work, despite the complaints she voiced.