Ron’s Short Review: Gallo also wrote “Presentation secrets of Steve Jobs” which I found very useful. Here he expands the concepts to several wonderful TED presenters. Both books will convince you of the power of good story telling.
Ron’s Short Review: I read this for personal reasons to help me figure out a better electronic presence but there are great tips for any sized organization.
Ron’s Short Review: I know, Twitter? But we need to understand it beyond the social, celebrity use.
Ron’s Short Review: I’m always looking for ways to improve my productivity through technology. Evernote could be one way but I’ll have to rethink my archive model.
Ron’s Short Review: It may be that only Steve Jobs could pull some of these off but they sure are good techniques. Read also Gallo’s “Talk like TED.” They compliment each other.
Ron’s Short Review: This one is simple and powerful. It will also explain why we can’t get out point across when we talk about what we do.
Ron’s Short Review: Goleman continues to reinforce that it’s our emotional intelligence that actually makes a difference.
But, Lack of Curiosity killed the DOG (DialOGue)
Dialogue is a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, most of the time we end up discussing topics. As shared in previous blogs, the word discussion has the same root word as percussion; Banging the drum; Beating on the table; Clanging the symbol. Discussion is “won” by percussing the loudest or most persistent. Not the best way to reach conclusions on difficult or contentious issues.
So why do we discuss rather than dialogue?
Because discussing is taking a side, defending your beliefs, getting your point of view across, winning an argument. Dialoguing is being open to others ideas; opening up your mind to alternatives or innovative ideas that haven’t been discovered yet.
The form of listening you use will go a long way in determining whether you discuss to win a point or dialogue to reach a better solution.
Image Source: Ky, Creative Commons
When we listen with the intent to respond, we’re preparing for discussion. We’re loading up our ammunition to either counter or reinforce any and every given point that is being discussed. We’re getting ready to beat our drum louder
But, when we listen with the intent to understand we’re preparing for dialogue. We’re getting as clear as we can about the issues, belief and assumptions and goals of each participant. The best way to accomplish this is through curiosity. There are many things in our lives that we’re curious about. When we’re curious about a topic we listen deeply, we probe to improve our understanding, we read as much as we can about the topic, we want to know why and when things happen, we want to know the meaning behind the causes.
When you’re facing a tough decision with strong opinions on each side, start with curiosity. Listen with the intent to understand. Dialogue the topic by getting everyone on the same side of the table and actively improving each side of the argument one side at a time. You’ll discover improved decision making.
Ron’s Short Review: Wilson Learning has a great framework for understanding people and how to apply it to the work place. Like our Myers-Briggs types, we all have social styles as well.
Ron’s Short Review: Very powerful book on telling stories that people remember. Don’t let the word “stories” fool you. We’re selling our ideas and positions all the time and we want them to “stick” with others.
Ron’s Short Review: Speaking to your audience.
Ron’s Short Review: Great for stating a vision, goal or even a problem in six words or less.