Episodes

  • 142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

    142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts
    May 14 2024
    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:Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior.Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions.Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence.Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language.Episode Reference Links:Michelle Gelfand: WebsiteMichelle Gelfand Stanford Profile: Website Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose QuizBrian Lowery: Website Brian Lowery’s Stanford Profile: Website Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" Brian Lowery’s Podcast: Know What You See Deborah Gruenfeld’s Stanford Profile: Website Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe Zak Tormala’s Stanford Profile: Website Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles YouTube / Website Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us YouTube / Website Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention YouTube / Website Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Youtube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionProducer 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 SettingsMichelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.(00:04:51) Understanding and Managing DiversityBrian 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 InfluenceDeborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.(00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective CommunicationZakary 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 InteractionsDeborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.(00:20:47) The Pursuit of MeaningfulnessBrian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.(00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and LoosenessMichelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.(00:28:52) Persuasive CommunicationZakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.(00:32:13) Participant ReflectionsA Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.(00:33:15) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    34 mins
  • 141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

    141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced
    May 7 2024
    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:Harvard Business School Profile: Website Linda's books: Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation Being the Boss, with a New Preface: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges of Leadership Linda’s article on the value of collaboration & conflict: Collective Genius Communicator Linda admires: Vineet Nayar + Employees First, Customers Second Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost 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 ChangeFundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.(00:02:53) Creating a Culture of InnovationThe 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 InnovationShared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.(00:09:43) Communication's Impact on InnovationHow effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.(00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative EnvironmentsThe value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.(00:16:06) The Final Three QuestionsLinda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.(00:19:54) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    21 mins
  • 140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

    140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience
    Apr 30 2024
    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: WebsiteStanford Profile: Website Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: Website / YouTube 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 / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB(00:00:55) Handling Direct ObjectionsConfronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.(00:02:37) Preparation for ObjectionsThe importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.(00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical ObjectionsDistinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.(00:06:09) The Power of ReframingThe technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.(00:08:17) The Role of ParaphrasingParaphrasing 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 QuestionsBurt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.(00:14:55) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    16 mins
  • 139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present

    139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present
    Apr 23 2024
    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 performanceEpisode Reference Links:David Melnikoff: WebsiteDr. Laurie Santos (Communicator Melnikoff admires) The Happiness Lab Podcast — Dr. Laurie Santos (Podcast of communicator Melnikoff admires) Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals Website / YouTube Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost 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 BenefitsThe definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit.(00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining FlowMisconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities. (00:06:22) Flow in Business and LeadershipApplying 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 PursuitHow 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 CommunicationThe potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow.(00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement AdviceAdvice 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 QuestionsDavid Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication.(00:16:17) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    17 mins
  • 138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

    138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
    Apr 16 2024
    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:Graham Weaver: WebsiteLast Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture)H. Irving Grousbeck (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires)Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First YouTube / Website Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.(00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in BusinessHow skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.(00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical LifeLiving 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 SwiftBusiness and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.(00:13:04) Personal Growth and EnlightenmentGraham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.(00:16:08) The Final Three QuestionsGraham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.(00:21:05) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    23 mins
  • 137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

    137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication
    Apr 9 2024
    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: WebsiteEp.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Website / YouTube Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.(00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal CommunicationFoundational 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 PowerHow nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".(00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual VariationsThe 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 CommunicationVerbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.(00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through NonverbalsHow understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.(0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication SkillsPractical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.(00:16:13) The Final Three QuestionsDana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:21:09) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    22 mins
  • 136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

    136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance
    Apr 2 2024
    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:Julia Minson: WebsiteUnderestimating Counterparts’ Learning Goals Impairs Conflictual Conversations (Julia’s study about people’s goals when talking to those they disagree with)To have better disagreements, change your words (Article by Julia about HEAR)Ep.30 - Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict: Website / YouTube Ep.72 - Quick Thinks: Talk it Out - How to Successfully Negotiate and Resolve Conflict: Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt 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 ResearchJulia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.(00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and ConflictThe difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.(00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing BetterPractical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.(00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational ReceptivenessTactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.(00:14:38) Managing ConflictManaging and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.(00:18:25) The Final Three QuestionsJulia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:22:48) ConclusionswhyuSEcgmbk3s61xnk7vDzvceasb3fg7vcazb1See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    24 mins
  • 135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness

    135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness
    Mar 26 2024
    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:Celine Teoh: WebsiteInterpersonal Dynamics (Program at GSB Celine facilitates)Connect - Building Exceptional Relationships (Book by Carol Robin that Celine recommends)The Gottman Institute (Website for John Gottman, whose research Celine mentions and is referenced in the Interpersonal Dynamics course)Ep.77 - All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Celine Teoh and the episodes' focus on the value of emotions in communication.(00:01:09) Discovering Self Through Interpersonal DynamicsOverview of the Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford GSB, also known as "touchy feely"(00:03:48) Integrating “Touchy Feely” in Logical and Action-Oriented EnvironmentsIncorporating empathy and emotional connection in organizations that prioritize logic and action.(00:05:47) Enhancing Connection and EmpathyAdvice on building connections with others, including the importance of being clear and embracing vulnerability.(00:08:36) Managing Conflict with EmpathyApproaching challenges and conflict at work in a way that maintains and strengthens relationships.(00:11:29) Enhancing Empathy, Feedback, and Communication SkillsGuidance for improving empathy, seeking feedback, and honing communication skills.(00:13:52) The Final Three QuestionsCeline 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) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    18 mins