3min chapter

How to build deeper, more robust relationships | Carole Robin (Stanford GSB professor, “Touchy Feely”)

Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

notes

CHAPTER

Navigating Communication and Self-Disclosure in Relationships

Exploring the impact of assumptions on relationships and the necessity for effective communication to avoid misunderstandings. Speaker shares experience with overwhelming sales pitches, requests thoughtful connections, and explains the impact of long COVID on response time.

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Transcript

Episode notes

Carole Robin spent over 20 years teaching the Stanford Graduate School of Business course Interpersonal Dynamics, affectionately known as “Touchy Feely.” After leaving Stanford, she founded a nonprofit called Leaders in Tech, which applies the Touchy Feely principles to help Silicon Valley executives build their leadership and interpersonal skills. Carole co-authored the popular book Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues, which shares key insights from her decades of teaching these courses. In our conversation, we discuss:

• The benefits of building robust relationships, in life and work

• The 15% rule, and how it will help you build better relationships

• The power of vulnerability

• Examples of how to practice vulnerability

• Why mental models you build early in life hold you back later

• The “three realities” and “the net”

• The art of inquiry

• Practical tips for avoiding defensiveness when getting feedback

• The impact of long Covid on Carole’s life

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