A conversation can go to a much deeper level if you have the time, can truly listen and ask three more words… ‘and what else?’
When someone brings you a challenge or is chatting with you about something on their mind, it is important to see if you can get to the root of the issue they are bringing to you. So often, the real problem is not the first problem they talk about.
Let them talk, get that first problem off their chest and when they have truly finished talking (so no talking over them!), ask if there is anything else going on and just give them your undivided attention. You can ask that question many times in the same conversation and my experience is that the real issue will show itself and then you can truly help the person who has approached you for assistance.
It’s worth giving it a try!