Apparently, Americans hate small talk. Stephanie Vozza notes in her recent article in Fast Company, “If you groan at the thought of small talk, you’re not alone. More than 70% of Americans said they’d prefer to just sit in silence over talking about the weather, sports, or current events”

Small talk isn’t just mindless filler, it’s an essential avenue for connection. Successful leaders can put others at ease through effectively using small talk to build mutual connections and to show their openness, interest, and empathy.

Learn more about the importance of small talk in Vozza’s article here.