Amazing things happen when you remove your blinders and see what it actually takes to coordinate action with others. First, you focus on how we make commitments to each other through conversation. Then, you realize that listening isn’t about being nice. It’s about producing reliable promises. Finally, you take seriously the notion that your public identity–or “personal brand”–depends on your understanding of others’ concerns, the offers you make to address those concerns, and your emotional mood as you walk down the hallway.
Bob Dunham has been introducing leaders and coaches to these points for three decades–and helping them practice their way to excellence. In Episode 7 of The Amiel Show, Bob distilled these lessons into an hour of actionable insights. Bob and I discussed:
- 2:00 Our blindness that action starts with commitment
- 7:00 How understanding conversations demystifies innovation
- 13:00 Bob’s rapid success as a manager by evoking reliable promises
- 21:00 The conversation for action, listening acts, emotions, and body language
- 33:30 Getting people to say “yes” is an absolute disaster
- 40:00 Having opinions but no evidence
- 51:00 Personal brands and influencing senior leaders
- 57:30 What Bob is personally practicing in his life
Listen to the Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Tweet a Quote
Action is not about talking. It’s about how you are listened to.
—Bob Dunham Tweet this quote
Explore Additional Resources
The Institute for Generative Leadership
Ask A Question to Knockman the Magnificent
My good friend, Knockman The Magnificent (named after the Jewish Mystic, Nachman of Breslow, but with a 21st century pragmatic orientation), will soon be answering questions on the show. You leave me a short voice message (directly through your computer) with your question. If I select it, I’ll play it on the air, and Knockman will answer it. Click here to ask your question.
New to Podcasts? Here Are a Few Simple Steps to Get Started
The easiest way to listen is to download a podcast application on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. Two popular apps are Downcast and PocketCasts.
These apps allow you to subscribe, download, and listen to a podcast directly on your mobile device. No need to synch with your computer. They also automatically update your podcasts every time a new episode is released.
Applaud, Send Friends…or Both!
If you enjoyed the show, please rate it on iTunes and write a brief review.
If you have friends who might enjoy listening, please email them a link to this episode.