Having gotten to observe many executives, I know that
being part of genuine conversations can be difficult for them.
The people they meet are often busy trying to be impressive,
and people trying to be impressive tend to be sycophants....
Thus they are insulated from unwelcome truths.
It's a hard art, learning to get people to tell you what you don't want to hear.

by Dale Dauten
essay: The way to a good conversation
is to 'look for' the other person
published in tucson citizen, 10/29/07

I

Arlu pondered Tuco's missive.
She was thinking about a phrase in the essay he'd linked to,
"It's a hard art, learning to get people to tell you
what you don't want to hear."
She knew Tuco invited her to say what he didn't want to hear.
It wasn't easy to hear. It wasn't easy to watch the brief anguish glimmer
across his face when she once again began to pack up for an extended trip.
But they wrote, they spoke even while apart. The conversation continued.

She looked for Tuco in that conversation.
He's part coyotè, a glimmer is what you think you see
as he changes once again. He says its his introversion. Maybe.
Arlu wonders about his relaxed conversational style and that inwardness.
Which is the key? And she knows as soon as she asks herself, both.
Nothing is simple with either of them.

She considers calling him,
decides not on this.
She turns to write back.
The conversation continues.