For several years, I sent out a blog to readers a few times a week. These posts gave pointers about how to practice, shared relevant stories, and provided a way for people to connect with my coaching approach. In 2022, I wrote my book, Before You Say Anything, which brought many of these ideas together in one place. The blog posts have continued to resonate with clients and readers, and they're useful as a quick reminder, so I'm including them here!
In each conversation, there’s something we want to happen. Often, we have a task to complete, or an opinion to state, or an agenda to advance. In those situations, we tend to enter the conversation as a “transmitter.” We’re going to deliver our message, come hell or high water.
But what if we pause and remember to begin a dialogue rather than to deliver a message? What happens when we prioritize listening and connection over transmitting? What might we learn or discover when we “receive” as well as “transmit”?