Yet, over the last several decades, we've witnessed a decline in the art of conversation in the workplace, to our detriment. It's time to acknowledge that the "soft skills" of effective discourse aren't soft at all; they're essential to cultivating a thriving business. For example, if you're all headed to an off-site meeting, try encouraging carpooling to allow space for casual conversation. As I learned from the students visiting my childhood home, a conversation is a collaborative effort. That's why it's crucial to reflect on the value of effective conversation and to nurture those skills.