8 Comments

This is brilliant - but only if adopted.

It is amazing how profound little behaviors like this can be... but only for people who are ready to implement them.

I know I advocate too much. I know I tend to get defensive too quickly. I know I open my mouth to argue reflexively -- so this suggestion comes at exactly the right time for me.

Expand full comment

The profoundness you are noticing isn't in the brilliance of the suggestion. We can't take credit. We've simply noticed this behavior show up in many leaders who are admired.

The profound power is in the approach to personal development.

It is a behavioral approach.

It isn't a recommendation to work on your mindset to be less combative or defensive, Steve. It is a behavioral suggestion that feels like it is precisely what you need because you ARE ready for it.

Expand full comment

Great insights and actionable suggestions. Thank you.

Expand full comment

I have used it and it works like a charm. It is less threatening as when asking direct questions. It has its cons, namely saying it to people who take forever to get to a point. You might need to do a lot of editing of the words coming in :D

Expand full comment

Fantastic, thanks for the example, Baber.

What do you say in your edit version for those kinds of people?

Expand full comment

We took a moment to unpack this Field Notes entry in a 15 minute discussion this morning:

https://twitter.com/AdmiredLeaders/status/1653396560405823497

Expand full comment

I am currently working through Gregory Hay's translation of Marcus' Meditations. I was reading through the Debts and Lessons chapter last Tuesday after the AL Study session. This one behavior jumped out at me when I read it - Book 1 Debts and Lessons - 16. Antoninus (Stepdad): His searching questions at meetings. A kind of single-mindedness, almost, never content with first impressions, or breaking off the discussion prematurely.

Expand full comment

Wonder if the basic form and functions of "meetings" has changed much at all in the last 2000 years. Even back then needing to encourage discipline to stay focused and attuned.

Expand full comment