Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Clear communication and self-awareness in growing enterprisesBeing indirect can lead to confusion, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. Leaders should communicate truthfully and value their team while addressing psychological barriers to entrepreneurial success.

      The importance of direct communication and self-awareness in growing enterprises. Graham Weaver, a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, emphasized that being indirect can lead to confusion, wasted resources, and missed opportunities. He encouraged leaders to be truthful and communicate clearly, while also ensuring their team feels valued. Additionally, Graham shared his experience of realizing the need to address the psychological barriers preventing students from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. By helping students identify and overcome these obstacles, they can more effectively work towards their goals. Overall, this episode highlights the significance of clear communication and self-awareness in driving growth and success in businesses. To learn more about executive education programs at Stanford Graduate School of Business, visit grow.stanford.edu/execed.

    • Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs for Entrepreneurial SuccessAcknowledging and addressing internal limiting beliefs is crucial for entrepreneurs to reframe their approach and master the internal game that drives external success. Focus on personal growth, communication skills, and embracing the entrepreneurial mindset for an asymmetrical life with wildly disparate outcomes.

      Success in enterprise building is not just about external factors like consulting jobs or paying off debts, but also about internal factors such as communication skills, self-awareness, and overcoming limiting beliefs. The process of identifying and dealing with these limiting beliefs is crucial for entrepreneurs as they often stem from fear and hold more power when hidden in the subconscious mind. By acknowledging and addressing these beliefs, individuals can reframe their approach to their endeavors and ultimately master the internal game that drives external success. An "asymmetrical life" refers to the wildly disparate outcomes that can result from taking calculated risks and investing time, energy, and resources wisely. To achieve an asymmetrical life, it's essential to focus on personal growth, developing strong communication skills, and embracing the internal game of entrepreneurship.

    • Conquer hard challenges and pursue passions for long-term successTo achieve wild success, tackle tough challenges and commit to unique passions for extended periods.

      In order to achieve wildly successful outcomes in business or life, one must be willing to tackle hard challenges and focus on their unique passions for an extended period of time. Buffett's success with GEICO and Washington Post serves as a prime example of the asymmetric returns that can come from taking calculated risks and committing to long-term goals. First, it's essential to face and conquer the difficult tasks that hinder growth. These challenges could be in the form of personal relationships or professional obstacles. While it may be uncomfortable or even painful to address these issues, the rewards can lead to significant advancement. The quote "everything you want in this life is on the other side of worse first" encapsulates this idea. Second, it's crucial to identify and pursue your unique passions, as trying to live someone else's life will not lead to optimal success. When we commit to our own interests and goals, we bring a different energy and dedication to the table, leading to better outcomes. Lastly, it's important to stay committed to these pursuits for the long haul. The most successful individuals and companies continue to improve and grow over decades. By focusing on our unique strengths and tackling the hard challenges that come our way, we can create logarithmic growth in our personal and professional lives.

    • Embrace continuous improvement and write your own storyFocus on bettering ourselves, taking initiative, and learning from experiences to write the story we want for our future.

      We all have the potential to achieve great things in life if we focus on continuous improvement, take initiative, go through hardships, and write our own stories. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being proactive and setting clear goals, rather than looking back at past events. He suggests starting from where we are and writing the story we want for our future, then making it happen. Each of these steps - doing hard things, doing our thing, writing our story - can make a significant impact on our lives individually, but the greatest results come from implementing all four. The speaker also encourages taking action without delay and learning from experiences, even if they seem insignificant at first. His passion for these ideas shines through in his writing and conversation. One particular blog post he mentioned, about attending a Taylor Swift concert, taught him valuable lessons about resilience and moving on from setbacks.

    • Taylor Swift's response to disputes and negative publicityDespite facing public disputes and negative publicity, Taylor Swift channeled her energy into creating even more music, resulting in an unprecedented amount of new music and numerous awards.

      Taylor Swift's response to public disputes and negative publicity was not to wallow in self-pity, but to channel her energy into creating even more music. This was evident after her highly publicized dispute with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian over the use of her lyrics in a song. Despite the trending hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOver and potential feelings of victimhood, Swift chose to focus on making a better record. This period resulted in an unprecedented amount of new music from Swift, and she went on to win more awards than ever before. Swift's determination and grit in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration for us all, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to mastery and success. Michelangelo once said, "If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful." This quote encapsulates Swift's journey, as her mastery in music is often admired, but the hard work and challenges she faced along the way are often overlooked. Currently, I am working on continuing to grow and improve in various aspects of my life, just as Taylor Swift continues to do with her music.

    • Exploring the power of personal growth and enlightenmentThrough studying Buddhism, meditation, journaling, and coaching, the speaker discovered they have more control over their life and growth. Consistently practicing these tools leads to personal enlightenment and self-improvement.

      Our perception of the world around us is shaped by our own thoughts and interpretations. The speaker shares how they came to realize that they have more control over their life than they thought by focusing on enlightenment and personal growth. This journey involves studying Buddhism, meditation, journaling, and coaching. The speaker admits they are not yet enlightened but finds value in the tools and practices they have adopted. They compare the process to daily self-care, emphasizing the importance of consistency and dedication to personal growth.

    • Embrace uniqueness and give permission to be yourselfExceptional leaders inspire by being authentic and believing in others, allowing them to shine and make a difference

      Exceptional leaders distinguish themselves by embracing their unique qualities and giving themselves permission to be themselves. This permission allows them to shine and make a difference in ways that no one else can. A communicator I admire, Irv Grosbeck, embodies these qualities. He is direct, clear, authentic, and makes those around him feel valued and capable. His unwavering belief in others, even during challenging times, has been a source of inspiration for many. Overall, being true to oneself and inspiring others to do the same is a powerful recipe for success in leadership and communication.

    • Effective communication: Understanding truth, creating safety, and being clearSelf-awareness and introspection are crucial for effective communication. Understand your truth, create a safe environment, and be clear on objectives to foster productive conversations.

      Effective communication involves understanding and expressing your truth, creating a safe environment, and being clear on what you're asking for. Irv, a renowned figure, embodies this by fully engaging in conversations, giving people his undivided attention, and fostering a sense of safety. By introspecting and identifying your truth, you can communicate authentically and compassionately. Additionally, creating a safe space allows individuals to truly listen and absorb feedback. Lastly, being clear on your objectives ensures that conversations remain productive and focused. These principles, as discussed by Graham and Matt, emphasize the importance of self-awareness and introspection before managing relationships externally.

    • Amplify your effectiveness and shape the future with convictionJoin Stanford's C-suite program this summer to refine skills, broaden perspectives, and stay ahead in business.

      In today's rapidly changing business landscape, continuous learning and evolution are essential for leaders. Stanford Executive Education provides an opportunity for seasoned professionals to refine their approach, broaden their perspectives, and stay ahead of the curve. By joining one of their on-campus C-suite programs this summer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, you can amplify your effectiveness and shape the future with conviction. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your professional development. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, and visit faster smarter dot I o for more English language learning content and deep dive videos. Apply today at grow.stanford.edu/ c suite.

    Recent Episodes from Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

    143. Adopting a VC Mindset: How to Achieve More by Thinking, and Communicating, Like a Venture Capitalist

    143. Adopting a VC Mindset: How to Achieve More by Thinking, and Communicating, Like a Venture Capitalist

    In choosing who to date, what job to pursue, or how to invest our money, most people are just looking for a reason to move forward. But according to Professor Ilya Strebulaev, we should be looking for something else: a reason to bail.

    "The smartest venture capitalists ask a very different question from what most of us ask," says Strebulaev. Instead of asking “‘Why should we invest?’, venture capitalists approach every new opportunity with [the] question: Why should we not proceed?” This contrarian mindset is at the heart of Strebulaev's new book The Venture Mindset, which reveals how the strategies of top VCs can help anyone make sharper decisions. 

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Strebulaev joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how the venture mindset can help anyone — investor or not — weigh alternatives, make decisions, and move forward without looking back.


    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Ilya Strebulaev, founder of the GSB's Venture Capital Initiative and professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.

    (00:00:53) The Venture Mindset

    Insights into the venture mindset as a new mental model for making smarter, quicker decisions.

    (00:02:22) Embracing Failure

    How venture capitalists embrace and learn from failure to achieve success.

    (00:05:21) Decision-Making in Venture Capital

    A unique approach to decision making based on what successful venture capitalists do.

    (00:07:34) Applying Venture Principles in Personal and Professional Life

    Venture mindset principles that can help individuals in job transitions and personal growth.

    (00:10:05) Lessons from Teaching Venture Capital

    Ilya outlines key takeaways he hopes his students learn from his class, including thinking differently and networking effectively.

    (00:13:25) Passionate Communication

    Using descriptive language to engage others, including mixing familiar terms with unique ones to enhance communication about passions

    (00:15:29) The Final Three Questions

    Ilya shares how he has grown from writing his book, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:18:59) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

    142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

    A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:


    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Producer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members.

    (00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse Settings

    Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.

    (00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity

    Brian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces.

    (00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and Influence

    Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.

    (00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication

    Zakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement.

    (00:18:44) Acting with Power in Interactions

    Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.

    (00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness

    Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.

    (00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness

    Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.

    (00:28:52) Persuasive Communication

    Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.

    (00:32:13) Participant Reflections

    A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.

    (00:33:15) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

    141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

    So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill.

    Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.”

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.”


    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Linda Hill, an expert in leadership development and innovation from Harvard Business School.

    (00:01:10) Leading for Innovation vs. Leading for Change

    Fundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.

    (00:02:53) Creating a Culture of Innovation

    The essential components of a culture that promotes innovation, with focus on communication and collaboration.

    (00:06:21) The Role of Shared Values and Purpose in Innovation

    Shared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.

    (00:09:43) Communication's Impact on Innovation

    How effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.

    (00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative Environments

    The value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.

    (00:16:06) The Final Three Questions

    Linda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:19:54) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

    140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

    Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb.

    In this podcast, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible.


    Episode Reference Links:

    • Burt Alper: Website
    • Stanford Profile: Website 
    • Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: WebsiteYouTube 
    • Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: Website / YouTube 
    • Original Episode - Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience: Website / YouTube


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB

    (00:00:55) Handling Direct Objections

    Confronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.

    (00:02:37) Preparation for Objections

    The importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.

    (00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical Objections

    Distinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.

    (00:06:09) The Power of Reframing

    The technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.

    (00:08:17) The Role of Paraphrasing

    Paraphrasing as a critical skill for clarifying and addressing objections, with the benefits of accurately restating concerns to ensure mutual understanding.

    (00:12:11) The Final Three Questions

    Burt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:14:55) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present

    139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present

    Whether you're looking to boost your productivity, find more joy in your work, or simply be more present in the moment, you need flow — and research by Assistant Professor David Melnikoff could help you find it.

    Melnikoff investigates how we pursue our goals, and how flow — the state of being totally immersed and engaged in what we’re doing — can help us achieve them. According to him, flow isn’t necessarily about enjoying a task or activity for its own sake, but more about the process of discovery that unfolds as we take action in the face of uncertainty. “The source of flow is engaging in an activity that allows you to reduce uncertainty about your future, engaging in actions that reduce possible future outcomes, or ideally, eliminate all possible future outcomes except for one,” he says. With each action that we take, the path before us narrows, leading us more directly to the goal that we’ve set.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Melnikoff shares why uncertainty presents us with the opportunity to step into the flow state, to experience more focus and engagement, and to supercharge our goal pursuit and performance

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abraham welcomes guest David Melnikoff, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford GSB and an expert on flow and goal achievement.

    (00:00:40) Understanding Flow and Its Benefits

    The definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit.

    (00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining Flow

    Misconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities. 

    (00:06:22) Flow in Business and Leadership

    Applying flow principles to business, emphasizing the structuring of tasks and goals to induce flow through uncertainty reduction. 

    (00:08:39) Personal Applications of Flow for Goal Pursuit

    How to utilize flow principles to set and achieve goals with advice on framing tasks to maximize uncertainty and flow. 

    (00:11:03) Collaborative Flow and Communication

    The potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow.

    (00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement Advice

    Advice on goal setting, advocating for goals with a degree of uncertainty to enhance engagement and likelihood of entering a flow state.

    (00:14:43) The Final Three Questions

    David Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication.

    (00:16:17) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

    138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

    From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.”

    Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Matt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.

    (00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in Business

    How skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.

    (00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical Life

    Living an asymmetrical life, including the importance of doing hard things, pursuing your passions, committing long-term, and writing your own story.

    (00:10:10) Lessons from Taylor Swift

    Business and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.

    (00:13:04) Personal Growth and Enlightenment

    Graham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.

    (00:16:08) The Final Three Questions

    Graham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:21:05) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

    137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

    If communication is like painting, words are the primary colors. But to convey deeper meaning, we need a broader color palette, which Dana Carney says requires the mastery of nonverbal communication.

    We often focus on the words that we say when honing our communication, but according to Carney, there are many instances “where nonverbals start to be more meaningful than verbals.” A professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the George Quist Chair in Business Ethics, Carney researches the nonverbal ways in which we communicate our biases, our preferences, our power, and our status.

    As Carney explores in her forthcoming book, The Five Nonverbal Rules of Power, there are several key areas of nonverbal behavior that we need to grasp in order to fully tap our potential as communicators. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to read the nonverbal communication of others — and how to gain control of the nonverbals we express to the world.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Dana Carney: Website
    • Ep.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power WebsiteYouTube 
    • Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube 

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.

    (00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal Communication

    Foundational aspects of nonverbal communication, dividing it into perception and expression, and emphasizing the importance of facial expressions and body language.

    (00:02:11) The Nonverbal Rules of Power

    How nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".

    (00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual Variations

    The impact of culture and context on nonverbal cues, discussing how cultural differences can alter the interpretation of behaviors such as eye contact and proximity.

    (00:08:10) The Balance Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

    Verbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.

    (00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through Nonverbals

    How understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.

    (0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication Skills

    Practical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.

    (00:16:13) The Final Three Questions

    Dana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

    (00:21:09) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

    136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

    Disagreement and conflict may look the same on the surface, but the two concepts are, in fact, very different. According to Julia Minson, knowing how these notions differ is crucial to how you approach them. 

    In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Minson and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams delve into the intricacies of conflict and disagreement. Minson, an associate professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford University alumna, also shares her expertise on decision-making and conflict negotiation. Minson emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and receptiveness in communication to foster productive dialogue.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Matt introduces guest Julia Minson, who is an expert in decision-making, conflict negotiation, and the psychology of disagreement.

    (00:00:54) Journey into Conflict and Disagreement Research

    Julia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.

    (00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and Conflict

    The difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.

    (00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing Better

    Practical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.

    (00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational Receptiveness

    Tactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.

    (00:14:38) Managing Conflict

    Managing and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.

    (00:18:25) The Final Three Questions

    Julia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

    (00:22:48) Conclusion

    swhyuSEcgmbk3s61xnk7vDzvceasb3fg7vcazb1

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness

    135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness

    Why deep connection with others starts by connecting more deeply with ourselves.

    How are you feeling right now? According to Celine Teoh, we all need to ask ourselves that question more often — and be more precise in how we answer it.

    Teoh is a facilitator of the course Interpersonal Dynamics, one of Stanford Graduate School of Business’s most iconic classes. In her work with students and as a CEO coach, Teoh encourages people to get better acquainted with their feelings. “Feelings are data,” she says. “In the rest of our logical lives, we would never make decisions on bad or highly abstract data. But we’ll do that with feelings.”

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Teoh and host Matt Abrahams discuss how developing greater emotional awareness can help us achieve more agency and empathy in our personal and professional lives.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Celine Teoh and the episodes' focus on the value of emotions in communication.

    (00:01:09) Discovering Self Through Interpersonal Dynamics

    Overview of the Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford GSB, also known as "touchy feely"

    (00:03:48) Integrating “Touchy Feely” in Logical and Action-Oriented Environments

    Incorporating empathy and emotional connection in organizations that prioritize logic and action.

    (00:05:47) Enhancing Connection and Empathy

    Advice on building connections with others, including the importance of being clear and embracing vulnerability.

    (00:08:36) Managing Conflict with Empathy

    Approaching challenges and conflict at work in a way that maintains and strengthens relationships.

    (00:11:29) Enhancing Empathy, Feedback, and Communication Skills

    Guidance for improving empathy, seeking feedback, and honing communication skills.

    (00:13:52) The Final Three Questions

    Celine Teoh shares the best communication advice she has received, a communicator she admires, and outlines her first three ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:17:07) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

    134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

    Leveraging AI to unlock new levels of creativity and communication innovation

    Join Matt Abrahams with creativity and innovation experts Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar to explore the transformative potential of AI in the realms of creativity and problem-solving.

    If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you treat it like a teammate, Utley and Gohar say you’ll be surprised just how helpful a collaborator it can be.

    Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist, have researched how teams can integrate AI into existing workflows to generate more creative ideas and streamline problem-solving. As they’ve found, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can be powerful tools for innovation. But without knowing how to implement them, “Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table,” Utley says. In a new white paper, he and Gohar illuminate the path teams can take to use generative AI as a “conversation partner” and transform their brainstorming efforts as a result.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar discuss how innovators can stop viewing AI as a magic 8-ball, and start treating it as a companion — one ready to roll up its sleeves and dig deep for new ideas.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction to Utley & Gohar

    Matt Abrahams introduces guests Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar, and their respective books.

    (00:01:02) Motivation Behind the Study on AI's Impact

    AI's impact on creativity and problem-solving, including an experiment involving human ideation with and without AI assistance.

    (00:03:32) Research Findings on AI and Innovation

    Specific practices to effectively use AI in teams for idea generation and the counterintuitive feelings associated with AI-assisted work.

    (00:04:37) The Counterintuitive Nature of AI Assistance

    Why teams that used AI effectively felt worse about their work, and the importance of adjusting work processes to incorporate AI as a collaborative tool.

    (00:07:59) The FIXIT Methodology for AI Collaboration

    The FIXIT methodology, a five-step process to enhance collaboration with AI.

    (00:12:29) Enhancing Conversations with AI

    Improving conversations with AI, including using audio messages for interaction and exploring different large language models for varied inputs.

    (00:17:45) The Final Three Questions

    Jeremy Utley offers a starting point for individuals new to ChatGPT, and Kian Gohar shares two communicators he admires and his three ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:22:57) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    Related Episodes

    142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

    142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

    A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:


    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Producer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members.

    (00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse Settings

    Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.

    (00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity

    Brian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces.

    (00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and Influence

    Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.

    (00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication

    Zakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement.

    (00:18:44) Acting with Power in Interactions

    Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.

    (00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness

    Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.

    (00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness

    Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.

    (00:28:52) Persuasive Communication

    Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.

    (00:32:13) Participant Reflections

    A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.

    (00:33:15) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

    136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

    Disagreement and conflict may look the same on the surface, but the two concepts are, in fact, very different. According to Julia Minson, knowing how these notions differ is crucial to how you approach them. 

    In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Minson and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams delve into the intricacies of conflict and disagreement. Minson, an associate professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford University alumna, also shares her expertise on decision-making and conflict negotiation. Minson emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and receptiveness in communication to foster productive dialogue.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:

    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Matt introduces guest Julia Minson, who is an expert in decision-making, conflict negotiation, and the psychology of disagreement.

    (00:00:54) Journey into Conflict and Disagreement Research

    Julia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.

    (00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and Conflict

    The difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.

    (00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing Better

    Practical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.

    (00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational Receptiveness

    Tactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.

    (00:14:38) Managing Conflict

    Managing and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.

    (00:18:25) The Final Three Questions

    Julia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

    (00:22:48) Conclusion

    swhyuSEcgmbk3s61xnk7vDzvceasb3fg7vcazb1

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

    140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

    Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb.

    In this podcast, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible.


    Episode Reference Links:

    • Burt Alper: Website
    • Stanford Profile: Website 
    • Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: WebsiteYouTube 
    • Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: Website / YouTube 
    • Original Episode - Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience: Website / YouTube


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB

    (00:00:55) Handling Direct Objections

    Confronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.

    (00:02:37) Preparation for Objections

    The importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.

    (00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical Objections

    Distinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.

    (00:06:09) The Power of Reframing

    The technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.

    (00:08:17) The Role of Paraphrasing

    Paraphrasing as a critical skill for clarifying and addressing objections, with the benefits of accurately restating concerns to ensure mutual understanding.

    (00:12:11) The Final Three Questions

    Burt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:14:55) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

    141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

    So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill.

    Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.”

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.”


    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction

    Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Linda Hill, an expert in leadership development and innovation from Harvard Business School.

    (00:01:10) Leading for Innovation vs. Leading for Change

    Fundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.

    (00:02:53) Creating a Culture of Innovation

    The essential components of a culture that promotes innovation, with focus on communication and collaboration.

    (00:06:21) The Role of Shared Values and Purpose in Innovation

    Shared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.

    (00:09:43) Communication's Impact on Innovation

    How effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.

    (00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative Environments

    The value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.

    (00:16:06) The Final Three Questions

    Linda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:19:54) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

    134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

    Leveraging AI to unlock new levels of creativity and communication innovation

    Join Matt Abrahams with creativity and innovation experts Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar to explore the transformative potential of AI in the realms of creativity and problem-solving.

    If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you treat it like a teammate, Utley and Gohar say you’ll be surprised just how helpful a collaborator it can be.

    Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist, have researched how teams can integrate AI into existing workflows to generate more creative ideas and streamline problem-solving. As they’ve found, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can be powerful tools for innovation. But without knowing how to implement them, “Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table,” Utley says. In a new white paper, he and Gohar illuminate the path teams can take to use generative AI as a “conversation partner” and transform their brainstorming efforts as a result.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar discuss how innovators can stop viewing AI as a magic 8-ball, and start treating it as a companion — one ready to roll up its sleeves and dig deep for new ideas.

    Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.

    Episode Reference Links:


    Connect:


    Chapters:

    (00:00:00) Introduction to Utley & Gohar

    Matt Abrahams introduces guests Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar, and their respective books.

    (00:01:02) Motivation Behind the Study on AI's Impact

    AI's impact on creativity and problem-solving, including an experiment involving human ideation with and without AI assistance.

    (00:03:32) Research Findings on AI and Innovation

    Specific practices to effectively use AI in teams for idea generation and the counterintuitive feelings associated with AI-assisted work.

    (00:04:37) The Counterintuitive Nature of AI Assistance

    Why teams that used AI effectively felt worse about their work, and the importance of adjusting work processes to incorporate AI as a collaborative tool.

    (00:07:59) The FIXIT Methodology for AI Collaboration

    The FIXIT methodology, a five-step process to enhance collaboration with AI.

    (00:12:29) Enhancing Conversations with AI

    Improving conversations with AI, including using audio messages for interaction and exploring different large language models for varied inputs.

    (00:17:45) The Final Three Questions

    Jeremy Utley offers a starting point for individuals new to ChatGPT, and Kian Gohar shares two communicators he admires and his three ingredients for successful communication.

    (00:22:57) Conclusion


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.