#75 David Mead, Start With Why & Better Communication

Summary

David Mead of Start With Why talks about improving communication skills, leadership and handling conflict.

Details

Simon Sinek and start with why, David's own background. Start with why, golden circle. What we do, how we do it, why we do it; without why it is much harder to differentiate ourselves. Most companies start with what, examples of companies that start with why. People like to be around people like them and believe what they believe. Imperfect companies can have a nobel higher goal.
How can engineers improve their communication; it's a skill that can be learned; give people tasks and roles that inspire. Better communication across the whole organization, sharing the big picture. Simple tips to improve communication skills, set goals that are attainable with low risk. How to handle conflict, don't take a position against something, stand for something. Conflict as a useful tool to resolve issues. What to do if conflict has become the norm, get back to the why; what to do when the why is not enough, "we can't fix people, we can provide the environment where they can be inspired to change themselves". Don't promote because of skill; when leading a team you are responsible for the team not the job, "management is about getting stuff done, leadership is about people". Always keep an eye on the bigger picture.