In today’s episode, we cover becoming exceptional with Joe Navarro. Joe is a retired FBI special agent and recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on reading nonverbal communication. He has co-authored many international best sellers including What Every Body is Saying, The Dictionary of Body Language, Advanced Interviewing Techniques, and his latest one, Be Exceptional: Master the Five Traits That Set Extraordinary People Apart.

Being an exceptional human doesn’t require anything out of the ordinary, but there are a handful of necessary traits to focus on if you want to be exceptional, so what are they and how do you develop them?

What to Listen For

What does it mean to be exceptional – 1:53

Why aren’t we taught how to be exceptional or charming when we’re growing up, and how can we learn to be so today?

The five traits of exceptional people – 15:21
What does self-mastery look like in today’s world and why is it important if you want to be exceptional at anything?
Why is the skill of observation important and what can you do to improve it?
What is more important to us than validation and why do we mistake it for seeking perfection?

The biggest misconception about giving validation – 38:30
Can you give validation to someone while also disagreeing with them?
How are validation and trust related?

Strategies to start divisive conversations on the right foot – 45:02

How do you have a productive conversation with someone who is clearly married to an ideology and doesn’t want to listen?
What simple exercise can you use to better understand yourself and your worldview?

Anyone can be exceptional, but not everyone is willing to understand what it takes and work at it. For example, being observant is a trait of exceptional people according to Joe Navarro, and being observant seems like a rather basic trait, doesn’t it? The problem is most people don’t think about or question what they observe. When most people think they’re being observant, they’re really just noticing something and instantly passing judgement on it.

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Resources from this Episode

Joe Navarro’s website

Be Exceptional by Joe Navarro

What Every BODY is Saying by Joe Navarro

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