Often we walk into conversations with an agenda. There are characteristics that we need to learn about someone before we engage in any “real” conversation. Some characteristics are evident within a matter of moments. Other things take more time and development and are based on a growing trust.

Think for a moment: What are some key characteristics that someone needs to have before dialoguing more than a minute or two. Perhaps they need to be able to listen. Or maybe there need to be some mutual interests. Maybe they need to have a certain “friendly” factor like intrinsic joy, confidence, or openness.

What makes a single conversation grow into more?