Saturday, February 25, 2012

What Got Your Here Won't Get You There

I am listening to a book by Marshall Goldsmith named "What Got Your Here Won't Get You There". It is a good book that talks about the need for successful people to change the way they do certain things.

The one that caught my attention was 'Active Listening'.
After I read the book, I started paying close attention while in meetings and conversations. I was appalled by the number of senior people who focus on their smart phones rather than the conversation. I wondered why they were there if they are not interested in the conversation?

In smaller conversations I noticed people started checking their watch the moment another person started to talk. It is a subconscious signal that says "I am interested in telling you something. But I have no intention of listening to you".

Marshall takes the example of Bill Clinton who is very good at the art of active listening. He makes the other person feel like he or she is the only person in the world while having a conversation with that person.

The second habit that caught my attention is the "Overuse of "No," "But" or "However".
I have seen this at work way too often. There was a colleague who used to sit next to me and almost always said. "No. I agree." I used to wonder why one earth would he say "No" when he agrees and has the wonderful opportunity to say "Yes" to make the other person feel appreciated.

The book helped me understand some of my shortcomings and recognize the shortcomings of a few people I interact with. I highly recommend the book. It will make you a better professional.


1 comment:

  1. Anonymous4:16 PM

    Hi Prashanth,

    I read the book because of this blogpost and found it really helpful. I wish I had read it already ten years ago. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete

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