Think how often you replay conversations in your head-what you've said or plan to say to someone. Consider conversations a learning tool. They teach you both intellectual and emotional truth. That said, use them to create circular communication-communication going in all directions. Up the chain. Down the chain. Across departmental lines.

Become known as someone who brings people together. Be thought provoking. Start watercooler conversations to improve processes, save money, make money, discover new markets, or innovate. Find new places to talk to get the creative juices flowing.

Resolve conflict productively, but don't squelch it. Level the playing field to generate good debate and input, but keep the power balanced. These comments will come in handy:

"Give these people a hand for opening the door on a new suggestion."

"We'll need to thank Teri and Carlos for pointing out our blind spot on this issue-this could have cost us a lot of time down the road."

Set the ground rules so that others learn how to respond constructively to diverse opinions, without interrupting, minimizing, and attacking. Most important of all, don't let a quick wit turn into a sharp tongue that shuts down the whole conversation. Avoid being the resident gloom-and-doom critic or the Pollyanna who placates but fails to support the ongoing dialogue.

Create value and recognize value in those who influence others to think.