Author Jeff Wetzler joins the host to delve into the 'ask approach' and the power of curiosity in communication. They discuss navigating diverse viewpoints in media, creating safe spaces for open dialogue, and embracing a mindset for better results and relationships. Insights on feedback reflection and strategies for full-spectrum listening are shared, offering valuable tools for enhanced communication skills.
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Quick takeaways
Inject curiosity into interactions to learn from others and interrupt assumptions.
Counter curiosity killers like emotional triggers with curiosity cues for exploring diverse perspectives.
Pose quality questions, listen holistically, and reflect on feedback for profound understanding and growth.
Deep dives
The ASK Approach: Choosing Curiosity as the Foundation
The ASK approach, a five-step process introduced by author Jeff Wexler, emphasizes the importance of choosing curiosity as the first step. Wexler highlights that curiosity is not just a trait but a conscious decision to recognize others' potential to teach us. By injecting curiosity into our interactions, we interrupt our tendency to jump to conclusions and instead focus on learning from those around us.
Overcoming Curiosity Killers to Foster Inquisitiveness
Identifying and countering curiosity killers is crucial to maintaining a curious mindset. Emotional triggers, such as frustration or irritation, can hinder curiosity. Wexler suggests replacing emotional triggers with curiosity cues to prompt a shift towards inquisitiveness. By training ourselves to respond to frustration with curiosity, we create opportunities to explore and learn from diverse perspectives.
Posing Quality Questions to Enhance Understanding
The heart of the ASK approach lies in posing quality questions that facilitate meaningful insights. Wexler distinguishes between crummy questions, which manipulate or attack, and quality questions that foster valuable learning. Quality questions aim to extract important information from others, encouraging deeper understanding and engagement. By utilizing a diverse array of quality questions, individuals can navigate conversations effectively.
Listening to Learn: Understanding Content, Emotion, and Action
Active listening involves not only hearing content but also understanding the underlying emotions and actions of the speaker. Wexler suggests that to truly grasp others' perspectives, individuals should listen through three channels: content, emotion, and action. By developing a holistic listening approach, one can gain a deeper understanding of others' thoughts, emotions, and intended outcomes.
Reflect and Reconnect: Sifting, Turning, and Application
The final step of the ASK approach, 'Reflect and Reconnect,' underscores the importance of processing information and applying newfound insights. Through a process of 'sift and turn,' individuals sift through received feedback, reflect on its impact on personal narratives, and consider actionable steps for growth. By reflecting deeply on shared experiences and engaging in meaningful dialogue, individuals can enhance relationships, make informed decisions, and foster personal growth.
Join me as I continue my fascinating dialogue with Jeff Wetzler, author of "Ask," where we unravel the art of inquiry and its potential to unlock wisdom from those around us. We venture into the 'ask approach,' a transformative five-step journey that begins with choosing curiosity. Listen in as we tackle the complexities of media influence and the critical need for quality questioning amidst a climate of sensationalism and partisanship. We'll explore how CEOs create spaces for honest dialogue within their companies, and I'll share personal anecdotes that illuminate the power of adjusting our approaches for more meaningful exchanges.
You'll learn strategies for full-spectrum listening that goes beyond words to emotions and actions, setting the stage for profound connection and understanding. The conversation culminates with the 'sift and turn' method for feedback reflection, a process for discerning valuable insights from critique. We'll discuss how results and relationships are the dual pillars of success in both personal and professional realms, and Jeff's expertise shines as we pinpoint the moments when everything aligns, bringing us to those 'exactly moments' where true progress is made. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights that will surely enhance your communication skills and enrich your life.