Health

5 Steps to Improving Your Social IQ
By PARADE, PARADE

True, we're all born with a certain social IQ, but we can improve it if we try.

Here are five steps to becoming a better listener, essential for developing empathy.

1. Commit Yourself to Real Change
Think about how listening well could improve your relationships.

2. Get Feedback From People You Know Well
How do they think you can listen more effectively? Use as models people you know who are great listeners.

3. Be Watchful
When are you most likely to trigger the habit you're trying to change-for example, not hearing out a person before you speak? Squelch the impulse and intentionally respond the better way.

4. Use Failures as Opportunities
Each time you revert to your old habit, think about how you could handle that same situation better the next time.

5. Keep Practicing
All of life can be a lab for learning new approaches.