Listen. Listening carefully, with the purpose of understanding and acknowledging another’s perspective, is a powerful starting place for communication.

Share your perspectives tactfully and assertively. Say what should be said, but do so in a respectful, thoughtful way.

Offer positive feedback and encouragement. Acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of others and let people know that you appreciate their efforts.

Provide corrective feedback when appropriate. Before offering a critique, consider your reason for doing it and the possible ways your comments might be interpreted. Avoid criticizing anyone in public, and always be calm and supportive.

Deal with important interpersonal conflicts. Listen to the other person’s perspective open-mindedly, state your opinion calmly, and look for win-win solutions. Not all differences can be resolved, so sometimes agree to disagree.

Appreciate how people see the world differently. Now that you are aware of personality preferences, you can start to understand, respect, and appreciate different perspectives.

Follow through on commitments. Consistently matching your actions to your words provides evidence of your sincerity and builds trust and respect.