Blake Eastman, dedicated to psychology and nonverbal behavior, discusses topics such as reading nonverbal cues, power structures in the workplace, identifying incompetence and deception, using AI to predict human behavior, selecting coaches, navigating the education system, and the power of asking better questions.
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Quick takeaways
Prioritizing the well-being and optimization of behavior for others leads to effective communication and being well-liked.
Increasing awareness of behavioral variations in others helps in understanding real-time meanings of nonverbal cues.
Trust formation involves considering nonverbal behaviors within a socially perceived trustworthy range and engaging in deep conversations.
Understanding power structures at work requires open communication, strategic behavior alignment, and analyzing evidence to build trust.
Deep dives
Optimizing Behavior for Others
The importance of making behavior about others and not just oneself is emphasized. Prioritizing the well-being and optimization of behavior for the people around you is key. By consciously putting others first, it is possible to become a more effective communicator and be well-liked. Actively considering the needs and perspectives of others allows for better interaction and understanding in social situations.
Understanding Nonverbal Cues
Improving the ability to read nonverbal cues involves evaluating one's default approach to behavior processing. It starts with acknowledging personal biases and examining how experiences have shaped one's perspective on social interactions. Increasing awareness of behavioral variations in others, such as shifts in body language, can help in understanding real-time meanings. The focus should be on noticing rather than interpreting and comprehending the contexts in which specific behaviors occur.
Building Trust through Nonverbal Communication
Trust formation involves considering nonverbal behaviors within a socially perceived trustworthy range. Certain behaviors, like consistent eye contact, aligned with societal norms, can contribute to building trust. Engaging in conversations that go beyond superficial small talk and exploring nuanced topics can foster higher levels of trust. Additionally, aligning behavior with genuine interest and enthusiasm reinforces a sense of trustworthiness, especially in situations like virtual meetings where detailed nonverbal cues may be limited.
Navigating Power Structures in the Workplace
Understanding power structures at work requires mapping potential factors and analyzing evidence to discover the realities. Open communication between leaders and employees plays a crucial role in determining power dynamics. Leaders should create an environment where employees can openly discuss their perceptions and experiences. By aligning behaviors with desired leadership traits, leaders can enhance trust and build a constructive working environment. Examining video recordings of interactions, feedback from colleagues, and strategically structuring office environments can also contribute to improving nonverbal communication in the workplace.
Importance of Coaching and Identity Shift
Coaching played a significant role in the speaker's personal development, helping them make an identity shift that transformed their academic and professional trajectories. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding coaches who align with their values and challenge them to grow. They value coaches who hold them accountable, providing constructive feedback and helping them overcome their BS. The speaker believes that having multiple coaches is essential for personal growth and encourages others to seek coaching in their own lives.
The Power of Writing and Reflection
The speaker discusses the transformative power of writing and reflection. They believe that writing helps structure ideas, improve communication, and develop critical thinking skills. Writing provides a way to reflect on thoughts and challenge one's own thinking. It allows for the discovery, refinement, and abandonment of ideas. The act of writing also serves as evidence of personal growth and creates a tangible record of one's journey. The speaker recognizes writing as a tool for learning, self-development, and self-expression.
The Limitations and Manipulation of Data
The speaker shares insights into the limitations and manipulation of data, drawing on personal experiences. They explain how data can be manipulated to fit desired outcomes and highlight the importance of critically examining research. The speaker emphasizes the need for awareness and skepticism when interpreting data, particularly in studies and academic contexts. They highlight the importance of understanding societal norms and expectations regarding data, as well as the value of transparency and integrity in research.
The Journey to Success
The speaker's definition of success centers around setting goals and accomplishing them. Success is viewed as a personal journey that requires consistent effort and alignment with one's values. They stress the importance of defining one's own version of success, as it allows for intentional and purposeful living. By setting clear goals and measuring progress, individuals can determine their own success and avoid playing someone else's game. The speaker highlights the satisfaction that comes from achieving goals and experiencing the fruits of one's labor.
Blake Eastman has dedicated his entire life to psychology and nonverbal behavior. In 2009 he founded The Nonverbal Group, a behavioral research and education company in New York City which conducts large scale studies on human behavior and uses a wide range of technologies to systematically deconstruct and improve human communication. Eastman dives deep into how we communicate with one another, including the ability to read nonverbal cues, his thoughts on big talkers vs. silent types, how we can communicate with our partners without complaining, the value of watching ourselves communicate on video, understanding the power structures and social dynamics at work, and so much more. Eastman has also served as an adjunct psychology professor at the City University of New York for six years where he taught General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Group Dynamics. He is also a former professional poker player and the founder of School of Cards, the first brick-and-mortar poker school in New York City. Listen and Learn
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