This episode of Deep Listening Impact Beyond Words explores the art of listening in diplomatic cross-cultural meetings, drawing insights from British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly's discussion with Cindy Yu on The Spectator's Chinese Whisper Podcast.

Key takeaways:

Focus on non-verbal cues: Ambassador Cleverly emphasizes that what people don't say, their body language, note-taking, and response delays are often more revealing than their spoken words. This applies not just to high-stakes diplomacy but also to everyday workplace meetings.
Team listening: Effective listening involves individual attentiveness and collaboration within your team.
The power of silence: Pay attention to pauses in the conversation. Their length, frequency, and placement can signal reflection, emphasis, cultural differences, or the weight of potential responses.
Longitudinal listening: Notice subtle changes in language, body language, and overall tone over time during extended negotiations or repeated meetings.

Actionable insights:

Reflect on your listening habits: How much attention do you pay to non-verbal cues?
Practice team listening: Discuss group observations and interpretations after meetings to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Refine your pause awareness: Observe how others use pauses and experiment with your own pausing to enhance meaning and impact.

By applying these insights from diplomatic listening to your own workplace interactions, you can improve communication, build trust, and navigate complex situations more effectively.

Additional Resources

"Does China Care What Britain Thinks?" from The Spectator's Chinese Whisper Podcast hosted by Cindy Yu.

"Ambassadors: Thinking About Diplomacy From Machiavelli To Modern Times" by Robert Cooper.

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