Peter A. Schein, co-founder and CEO of OCLI.org, brings extensive experience in organizational behavior and development. He dives into the transformative power of Humble Inquiry in the workplace, emphasizing authentic relationships built on trust and vulnerability. The conversation highlights how remote work has reshaped communication styles and the importance of informal interactions. Schein also discusses reflective practices for effective group learning and explores the dynamics of 'personization,' urging deeper, more meaningful professional conversations.
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insights INSIGHT
Beyond Transactional Relationships
Humble Inquiry promotes moving beyond transactional work relationships to develop deeper, trusting connections.
This deeper substrate fosters vulnerability and openness essential for fruitful cooperation over time.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Walk and Talk Rapport Building
Peter Schein describes a walk with Skip Steward around Stanford campus that deepened their professional rapport.
The informal setting allowed a more natural, low-distraction connection than formal meetings.
insights INSIGHT
Reframing Ignorance Positively
The term "accessing your ignorance" was replaced to avoid negative connotations in today's culture.
Instead, the idea emphasizes embracing what you don't know as a strength to foster curiosity and vulnerability.
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Edgar Schein's "Helping" delves into the complexities of helping relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics between helper and helpee. Schein highlights the power imbalances inherent in such interactions and offers strategies for creating more reciprocal and effective partnerships. The book explores various contexts, from personal relationships to organizational settings, providing practical insights for fostering trust and mutual growth. It emphasizes the significance of humble inquiry and the need for helpers to approach interactions with genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn. Ultimately, "Helping" provides a framework for building stronger, more supportive relationships in all aspects of life.
Humble Leadership
The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust
Edgar Schein
Peter Schein
Humble Leadership by Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein introduces a new approach to leadership that focuses on building personal relationships rather than relying on transactional role relationships. This model encourages leaders to adopt humility, openness, and trust to create collaborative and innovative environments. The book explores how traditional hierarchical leadership is becoming outdated and how humble leadership can enhance organizational effectiveness through stronger interpersonal connections.
Humble Inquiry
Edgar Schein
In this book, Edgar H. Schein and Peter Schein define Humble Inquiry as 'the fine art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person.' The authors explore how Humble Inquiry differs from other kinds of inquiry, provide examples of its application in various settings, and discuss how to overcome cultural, organizational, and psychological barriers to its practice. The book emphasizes the need for open and trusting communication in today's complex, interconnected world, and offers practical advice on developing the attitude and skills necessary for Humble Inquiry[1][2][4].
The Advice Trap
Michael Bungay Stanier
In 'The Advice Trap', Michael Bungay Stanier builds on the principles of his previous book, 'The Coaching Habit', to help leaders and consultants avoid the pitfalls of premature and unsolicited advice-giving. The book emphasizes the importance of taming the 'Advice Monster' within, which is driven by the beliefs that one must have the answer, be responsible for everything, and stay in control. By staying curious longer and rushing into advice-giving more slowly, leaders can foster a more engaged team, promote organizational change, and create a curiosity-driven company culture. The book provides practical tools and strategies for effective coaching, including the use of probing questions, mindfulness, and humility[2][4][5].
Peter A. Schein is the co-founder and CEO of OCLI.org in Menlo Park, California. He is a contributing author to the 5th edition of Organizational Culture and Leadership (2017). With Edgar H. Schein he is co-author of Humble Leadership (2018, 2nd ed. 2023), The Corporate Culture Survival Guide, 3rd ed. (2019), Humble Inquiry, (2nd ed. 2021 and 3rd ed. 2025), and Career Anchors Reimagined (2023). Peter’s work brings 30 years of technology industry experience in marketing, corporate development, and strategy, at large and small IT companies including Apple, Sun Microsystems and numerous start-ups. While forging new strategies and merging smaller entities into a larger company, Peter developed a keen focus on the organizational development challenges faced by innovation-driven enterprises. Peter was educated at Stanford University (BA in social anthropology with honors and distinction), Northwestern University (Kellogg MBA), and the USC Marshall School of Business (HCEO Certificate).
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