In short, conversations. I love the ebb and flow of a great conversation. I listen well and I love giving solid advice based on many years of experience.
Think about the last 10 conversations that actually meant something to you. If you peer beneath the surface, you’ll see that those great conversations didn’t just happen; they were orchestrated. Chances are, you had at least two willing AND engaged parties at the proverbial table. Notice the emphasis on willing and engaged – one without the other is like a salad with no dressing.
At 42 years young, I want to have great conversations all the time with willing and engaged participants. Truthfully, I feel that most people fake their way through conversations. They kind of listen…they kind of care. I would say many people rely on their ability to wing it, or worse, bullshit their way through an important conversation. I feel this way because I was one of those people, and admittedly some “great” exchanges did happen, but what if I had actually prepared for those “wing it” conversations? In hindsight, they could have been life-changing events.
I want to give each conversation its proper respect. I enjoy listening and I enjoy responding. I love giving actionable advice. I love to hear what professionals are going through and give them sage advice based on my experience, education and instincts. Many people in life have not discovered what they are good at. I am fortunate that I have and I have built my life around it.
I strongly believe that a great conversation has several ingredients:
- expectations,
- preparation,
- listening (to what is said and not said),
- formation of insightful questions,
- frank dialogue, and
- a review of action steps.
These are the basics and without these, conversations are left to happenstance. Think of it like this: great conversations are a combination of art and science, and both are essential to reach a satisfactory result. In terms of my particular conversation style, those who know me know that I don’t mince words…I say it like it is. In my business, it works well; no one has the time or money for someone who is not brutally honest.
If you would like to know more, or if you’re ready for a great conversation, schedule some time to talk with me and you’ll see what I mean.
