This is part of a series of articles on Social Excellence in the workplace called “The Relationship Business Series.” Because after all, we’re all in the relationship business. For more helpful content like this, sign up for (free) The 21 Days of Social Excellence.

Hey there friend. Are you really coming at your colleagues with that weak water cooler game?

The weather. Sports. Commuting delays. The boss.

C'mon. You're better than that aren't you? You really want to spend your whole career with surface level conversations that result in surface level relationships that result in a surface level life?

Dig in. Connect. Ask a powerful question. Be curious about why your colleague said that. Ask about what matters.

Water cooler moments (or coffee breaks or pre-meeting chit chat or hallway banter) don't have to be just a moment that passes. They can be moments that matter.

Your career success, and your life's fulfillment, will be determined by your ability to connect. Don't settle for the surface. Dig a little.