What defines a successful business encounter (which, by extension, fuels a successful career)? Whether you’re a CEO, a salesperson, an HR manager or just a recent graduate, the success of your career depends on building relationships based on trust and mutual regard. And this starts with a conversation — the kind of conversation that leaves you feeling like you really connected with someone.

We all know the person in the office who is likeable and funny; who remembers little things about us that make us feel special. We like to be around that person because they make us feel comfortable and relaxed. More than that, people with those skills usually have an easier time building consensus around their ideas and moving agendas forward than people who struggle to connect. Why? Because we are more prone to do things to help support the people we like.

Read more.