In this first cast of a new series, I was inspired by a recent project with a client in Oklahoma who wanted to know how to be more effective in communicating with their employees. This cast we start with common ground, a critical component of all conversations. When common ground exists we have a shared place to stand to begin building future agreement. Without common ground conflict is almost inevitable. In many conversations, this technique alone can work wonders on influencing the other person to come to an agreement. I won't get into the psychology of why but suffice it to say this is an influence superpower when mastered.