“What people regret over time are things they didn’t do. They didn’t take that trip, they didn’t ask that person out on a date. They didn’t start that business,” says former political speechwriter and author Dan Pink. “I think it’s because we are slightly over-indexed on risk. We overstate the risk in many circumstances.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams sits down with Pink to hear how we can take more risks and how leaders can inspire others by focusing on the why instead of the how. “There’s almost incontrovertible evidence that a sense of purpose is the most cost-effective performance enhancer that organizations have,” Pink says.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dan Pink: Website
• Dan’s Books: Website 
• Original Episode: Ep.92 No Regrets: How to Take Risks in Your Communication, Relationships, and Career Website / YouTube
• Ep.103 Simple Is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience Website / YouTube   
• Ep.80 Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others Website / YouTube

Connect:

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• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
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• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
• Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dan Pink, a NYT bestselling author and former political speechwriter.

(00:01:17) Lessons from Political Speechwriting

Insights from Dan’s experience as a political speechwriter.

(00:03:58) Speak Like a Human

The necessity of authentic communication and the power of speaking naturally and directly.

(00:07:57) The Role of Immediacy in Communication

How immediacy can enhance connection and engagement in communication.

(00:09:24) Problem Finding vs. Problem-Solving

The value of identifying hidden problems in persuasive communication and sales.

(00:11:21) Understanding and Harnessing Purpose

How purpose enhances motivation and performance in work and life.

(00:15:11) Communication, Risk, and Regret

The impact of perceived versus actual risk in communication and decision-making.

(00:20:16) Timing and Breaks for Enhanced Performance

Optimizing performance through strategic timing and the importance of taking breaks.

(00:22:41) The Final Three Question

Dan shares communication advice, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.

(00:25:39) Conclusion