149. Best of: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career | Think Fast,...

Introduction (0s)

• Matt Abrahams introduces the 'Radical Candor' podcast and its benefits.
• He welcomes the audience to a 'best of' episode of the 'Think Fast, Talk Smart' podcast featuring Dan Pink.

Lessons from Political Speechwriting (1m17s)

• Dan Pink shares his experience as a political speechwriter, including serving as Chief Speechwriter to Vice President Al Gore.
• He emphasizes the importance of audience-centricity in speech preparation.
• Pink describes the concept of "how the hells," which involves incorporating audience-specific references to create a connection.
• He stresses the value of brevity and avoiding unnecessary length in speeches.

Speak Like a Human (3m58s)

• Avoid using overly formal or technical language.
• Be concise and to the point.
• Connect your content to your audience in a relevant and meaningful way.
• Use specific details to demonstrate that you've spent time thinking about and appreciating your audience.
• Avoid using corporate jargon and cliches.
• Speak authentically and conversationally.
• Be empathetic and show genuine concern for others.
• Focus on being a better version of yourself rather than trying to sound like someone else.

The Role of Immediacy in Communication (7m57s)

• Written communication is a relatively new invention compared to our evolutionary ability to communicate verbally.
• To sound like a better version of yourself in communication, avoid distancing language and use inviting language that resonates with your audience.
• Avoid using big words and formal ways of speaking to sound smarter; instead, focus on being clear and connecting with your audience.
• Practice your communication and get feedback from others to ensure it makes sense and sounds conversational.

Problem Finding vs. Problem-Solving (9m24s)

• Problem-solving addresses a clearly stated issue that already exists and likely has a solution.
• Problem finding involves surfacing issues that people don't know exist.
• Problem finding is becoming more important than problem-solving, especially in sales and white-collar work.
• When people are aware of a problem, they are more likely to seek a solution, making problem finding crucial in persuasion and selling.

Understanding and Harnessing Purpose (11m21s)

• Purpose is an inherent performance enhancer.
• There are two types of purpose:
  • Capital P purpose: making a difference in the world.
  • Small p purpose: making a contribution.
• Both types of purpose are important and can motivate individuals to perform better.
• Leaders should focus on explaining why tasks are important and how they connect to making a contribution or making a difference.

Communication, Risk, and Regret (15m11s)

• Effective leadership involves understanding the mission and vision and helping individuals comprehend their role in achieving them. Empowering people with the "why" behind their actions can motivate desired behaviors.
• Many individuals experience anxiety in communication, such as presenting, making small talk, or asking someone out. Research on regret reveals that people tend to regret inaction more than action as they age.
• We often overestimate the risks associated with taking action, leading to missed opportunities and regrets. Connection regrets, such as not reaching out to friends or loved ones, are common and often involve overestimating the awkwardness and underestimating the other person's welcoming response.
• Taking risks, especially in communication, often leads to positive outcomes and rewards that outweigh the initial concerns. Nick Epley's research suggests that people tend to overestimate the negative outcomes of taking risks in communication, such as talking to strangers. In reality, people are often more receptive and welcoming to such overtures than expected.
• Having a slight bias for action and taking calculated risks can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities.

Timing and Breaks for Enhanced Performance (20m16s)

• People often overestimate the awkwardness of reaching out to others.
• Awkwardness is a common barrier to communication, but it is often less severe than anticipated.
• Cognitive abilities fluctuate throughout the day, so it is important to be intentional about when you do different types of work.
• Taking breaks is essential for maintaining high performance and should be considered part of your performance rather than a deviation from it.
• Professionals take breaks, while amateurs don't.
• The best breaks are those where you are in motion.

The Final Three Question (22m41s)

• Taking breaks, especially 15-minute walks, can help sustain intellectual and physical energy.
• Baba Shiv's research shows that collaboration and creativity vary at different times of the day, so it's best to align activities with these rhythms.
• Disconnecting from work and devices can be beneficial.
• Decide the promise you're making to the audience and then deliver on it.
• Know your goal or intention and act on it.
• Aesop's fables, though short and ancient, have endured and left a lasting impact on language and culture.

Conclusion (25m39s)

• Simplicity, brevity, and accessibility are key ingredients for successful communication.
• Dan's advice on communication, purpose, and taking action is powerful and valuable.
• His new book, "The Power of Regret," is highly anticipated.
• Stanford Executive Education programs offer insights from Stanford GSB professors and bring together top leaders from around the world.
• Explore these programs at grow.stanford.edu.