Many of us struggle to connect with those who seem different. But there are a few rare individuals who are extraordinarily good at it. We featured four such people in The Art of Connecting: Terry Gross, Richard and Michele Steckel, and Hector Orci.

How Terry Gross Connects

• Putting the focus on the other person
• Being nearly invisible
• Listening
• Creating an atmosphere for unhurried conversation
• Researching
• Staying up-to-date with people, events, trends
• Respecting individuals
• Accepting different beliefs, values, lifestyles

How the Steckels Connect

• Having a clear purpose
• Being unobtrusive, focusing on others
• Responding to cues
• Building trust
• Relating to individuals
• Listening and remembering
• Using stories

How Hector Orci Connects

• Being confident
• Listening intently
• Eliciting the criteria for success
• Putting the "right words" together
• Being creative
• Knowing two cultures
• Being responsive to the other party's needs