234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Content provided by Think Fast Talk Smart and Matt Abrahams. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Think Fast Talk Smart and Matt Abrahams or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

2M ago 25:07

MP3•Episode home

When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information.

Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says.

McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he’s discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character.

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

General Stanley McChrystal
General McChrystal’s Books: On Character / Team of Teams
155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(03:01) - Building Shared Consciousness
(07:11) - Leading Across Differences
(08:51) - Delivering Difficult News
(11:16) - Communicating in a Virtual World
(17:15) - Character as an Iterative Practice
(19:25) - The Final Three Questions
(23:55) - Conclusion

********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

256 episodes

#Careers #Influence #Leadership #Improv #Communication #Public Speaking #MBA #Business #Career Growth #Career Skills #Think Fast Talk Smart #Matt Abrahams #Podcasting Education