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There are lots of books, but for eg, try Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. Treat the advice like a skill - and practice it. Just because you watch a Youtube video on how to a bowl a googly, doesn't mean you can do it well (or at all) the first 50 times you do it. But stick with it and I guarantee in two years you'll be places you never thought you would be. But it has to be genuine - as in, genuine interest in other people. It can't be faked or people will sense it.
Like, I know it's important. I know seniors, clients, and judges all respond to it. I know people who've built entire careers on it. And yet, every time I try, it's written all over my face that I don't mean a word of it 🥲
Genuinely think this should be a compulsory paper in law school. Semester 1, Week 1 — Professional Flattery 101. More useful than half the things we actually studied.
So — from those of you who've mastered the art — how does one develop this skill? Is it practice? Is it just confidence? Do you eventually start meaning it? Does it get less awkward?
Seeking guidance from skilled and experienced practitioners of the craft. All tips welcome, no judgment. 🙏