In the latest HCI Webinar, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey about what most convincing people do to forge a lasting bond. Below is a summary of the main points from their conversation! Check out the full episode and let us know what you think!
Watch the episode here:
Quick Recap
Jonathan, Adele, and Chip discussed the importance of relationships, trust, and effective communication in both personal and professional contexts. They also explored the concept of convincing and its impact on relationships in business and personal contexts, emphasizing the value of deep listening and building long-term relationships. The conversation concluded with discussion on the importance of discipline, effective communication, and investment in personal and professional connections for career development and successful collaborations.
Relationships and Trust in Business
Jonathan discussed the importance of relationships and trust in both personal and professional lives, and sought the insights of Adele and Chip on forging lasting bonds. Adele, with over 20 years of experience owning and managing her own private PR firm, has worked with high-profile clients such as President Joe Biden and the CEO of Lockheed Martin, and has been invited twice to speak at the United Nations. Chip, an X-FBI hostage negotiator and special agent for 22 years, has investigated 9/11 terrorist attacks and now teaches executives how to apply FBI techniques in the workplace. The conversation ended with Jonathan asking about their collaboration, to which Adele explained they met through an entrepreneurial dinner and found their backgrounds complementary.
From Masterclasses to Crisis Management
Adele and Chip discuss the origins of their partnership, which began with organizing master classes and evolved into writing a book during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reflect on the challenges and opportunities that arose from the pandemic, including Adele's experience starting a crisis communications firm. Adele emphasizes the value of crisis management principles in teaching businesses to be convincing and responsive in high-pressure situations, regardless of the circumstances.
Bossiness vs. Influence in Leadership
Jonathan and Adele discussed the differences between appearing bossy and using influence to get things done. Jonathan emphasized that while being bossy may yield short-term results, it ultimately damages relationships and leads to constant personnel turnover. Adele shared her observation of this dynamic in business, particularly as a woman, and how it impacts the way leadership qualities are perceived in children. They ended the discussion by expressing interest in further exploring the concept of convincing and its impact on relationships in business and personal contexts.
Deep Listening for Strong Relationships
In the meeting, Chip and Adele discussed the importance of deep listening, which they termed as 'forensic listening'. This technique involves analyzing a conversation after it's happened, focusing on the emotional aspects, and following up with such detail that the person feels seen and heard. They emphasized that this approach creates a strong relationship and makes one more convincing. Jonathan agreed, adding that genuine care and attentiveness are necessary for this technique to be effective. The team agreed that this kind of listening is rare in business, making it a valuable skill.
Effective Communication and Decision Making Strategies
In the meeting, Adele, Jonathan, and Chip discussed the importance of discipline and effective communication in influencing others. They agreed that starting with a point of agreement rather than a strong point is crucial in convincing people. Adele emphasized the need to listen at a level where one can identify the point of agreement, which is a step before initiating a conversation. Jonathan highlighted the challenges of dealing with differing opinions in meetings, and the need for open-mindedness and data-informed decision-making. The team concluded that these strategies are essential for effective communication and decision-making.
Building Long-Term Professional Relationships
Jonathan, Chip, and Adele discussed the importance of building long-term relationships and investing in personal and professional connections. Jonathan highlighted the rapid turnover in the modern workplace and the need for a long-term perspective in career development. Chip emphasized the potential for these relationships to pay off in the future, even if not immediately. Adele shared a personal anecdote about a past college crewmate who later brought her and Chip in for a project, illustrating the lasting impact of genuine interactions. The group agreed that treating people well and being helpful is crucial for building a strong personal brand and fostering successful collaborations.
Adele's Crisis Communications Offer
Jonathan and Adele had a productive conversation about their work, with Adele offering to connect with the audience through her company's website and courses on crisis communications and personal branding. Adele also encouraged the audience to read their book, which contains practical strategies for everyday business. Jonathan thanked Adele and Chip for their time and encouraged the audience to reach out for more information. The recording of the conversation will be available on the 26th of March, and Jonathan will tag Adele on LinkedIn for updates.
Listen to the webinar here:
