Imagine this: We're at the water cooler where you're brimming with enthusiasm as you tell me about this wonderful technique you just discovered for dealing with customers and it's saving you time and energy.
I respond casually: “Yeah, I know” or “I heard that already.”
How did that feel?
Instead of making the other person feel as if they were the last to know, use the opportunity to acknowledge their efforts and build your relationship. Try this instead: “That sounds great, where did you learn that?”
Leaders leave a little bit of themselves in every conversation. Think first.