155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly | Think Fast, Talk Smart:...

Summary

In this episode of 'Think Fast, Talk Smart,' host Matt Abrahams interviews Dr. Susan Rice, a visiting fellow at Stanford and former U.S. National Security Advisor. They discuss leadership, negotiation, and communication skills. Dr. Rice shares insights on effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of setting a clear vision, supporting teams, and providing candid feedback. She also reflects on her personal experiences with balancing professional and personal life, and how to handle political differences, particularly with her son. The episode highlights practical strategies for negotiation, leadership, and staying true to oneself in challenging situations.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The podcast 'Think Fast Talk Smart' aims to enhance listeners' communication skills and seeks feedback for improvement.
• 📊 Listeners are invited to complete a survey at fastersmarter.io/feedback to help shape future content.
• 🎁 Incentive for survey participation includes a chance to win a signed book and podcast swag.
• 🌟 Guest Susan Rice shares her leadership principles focusing on setting a vision, demonstrating passion, and valuing team members.
• 🤝 Emphasizes the importance of supporting team members both professionally and in their personal lives.
• 🔍 Stresses the significance of direct and candid communication, especially when giving feedback.
• 🤝 Encourages seeking and accepting feedback to foster personal and professional growth.
• 💼 Discusses negotiation strategies, highlighting the need for understanding one's own and others' bottom lines.
• 🌈 Advises on being authentic and confident in high-stakes or diverse group settings.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shares personal experience on managing political differences within family and valuing common ground.
• 🗣️ Identifies clarity, concision, and structure as key ingredients for successful communication.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the listener survey mentioned in the podcast?

The purpose of the listener survey is to gather feedback from the audience to ensure the podcast is covering topics and featuring guests that are of interest to them. It helps the team at Think Fast Talk Smart to understand their listeners better and improve the content of the show.

What incentive is offered for completing the listener survey?

For those who choose to provide their email address after completing the survey, they will be entered into a random drawing where three people will win a signed book and other Think Fast Talk Smart Swag.

What is the role of Susan Rice at Stanford University?

Susan Rice is a visiting fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute at Stanford and a distinguished visiting fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.

What leadership principles does Susan Rice emphasize?

Susan Rice emphasizes setting a clear vision and direction, demonstrating passion and commitment, and valuing people by bringing them along towards objectives. She also stresses the importance of caring for team members as human beings and supporting them in their personal lives.

How does Susan Rice approach giving feedback?

Susan Rice is direct in giving feedback. She reinforces and encourages good performance and sits down with individuals to explain what they are doing wrong and how they can improve if they are underperforming.

What does Susan Rice believe is important when receiving feedback?

Susan Rice believes that if you give feedback, you must also be able to take it. She has benefited from colleagues who have given her hard truths to help her improve and grow in her career.

How does Susan Rice approach high-stakes negotiations?

Susan Rice believes in understanding one's own bottom lines and the interests and motivations of the other party. She finds it possible to negotiate with competitors or adversaries by exploring common ground.

What does Susan Rice enjoy about negotiating?

Susan Rice enjoys the uncertainty of the outcome and the range of skills required, including intellect, humor, and charm. She finds directness effective in negotiations and appreciates the tangible outcomes and gratification when successful.

What advice does Susan Rice give to people who stand out as different in their work groups?

Susan Rice advises people to be themselves, believe in themselves, and not try to be something they're not. She shares her father's saying that if someone's prejudice is a problem, it's their problem, not hers, emphasizing the importance of mental self-esteem and not letting others define you.

How does Susan Rice handle political differences within her family?

Susan Rice handles political differences by prioritizing the shared love and common ground over disagreements. She admires her son's courage of convictions even though they disagree on many policy issues.

Who are the communicators Susan Rice admires and why?

Susan Rice admires President Obama for his relatable, clear, passionate, and emotive communication style, and Jen Psaki for her clear, direct, and effective communication as a White House spokesperson.

What are the three ingredients for successful communication according to Susan Rice?

Susan Rice believes the key ingredients for successful communication are clarity, conciseness, and having a structured message that is mindful of the audience.