3 Ways to Build Better Business Relationships: The Profound Experience of Being Heard

[Joywtome231]

“Wow… what a great, incisive question. No one has ever asked me that before.” - Hundreds, maybe thousands of people, in response to being interviewed by Terry Gross

I LOVE Fresh Air; Terry Gross’s show on WHYY Public Radio. She has perfected the ability to ask questions that allow her guests to distill to their essence, their juiciest experiences and most profound realizations.

What can you learn from Gross’s approach that will allow you to earn respect and trust from both colleagues and clients

1.Do extremely thorough research

Whatever the topic, Gross has read the book, watched the movie, researched the scientific theory turkey phone number library or political situation. In short, she prepares by finding relevant facts and thinking deeply about her interviewee’s perspective and topic.

The takeaway: You can prepare for each business meeting or important professional conversation using the same method. Read that report your colleague has provided; take some time to think about what your boss may need to make her job easier or create better results for the quarter; Google your potential client and learn all you can about them, their product or company and their business needs.

2 .Ask relevant, meaningful questions and then… Be quiet

Gross employs her natural curiosity to understand more about her guests’ research, theories or artistic ventures and uncover their motivations, feelings and experiences. In short, her pre-work and her ability to hear what is being said in the moment creates fascinating audio portraits of people, their achievements and experiences.

The takeaway: Asking the right questions is one very effective method of beginning to develop relationships of trust and collegiality, gaining insights or closing a sale. You just need to give your colleague, boss or client the opportunity to speak up.