Three Little Words for Better (Business) Relationships // ALD 008 — DT101 E79

Thank you for listening to this Ask Like a Designer episode of the Design Thinking 101 Podcast.

This episode is about the tremendous power in three little words and a superpower for people who want to think and solve like a designer: listening.

This episode is based on this article: ALD008 // Three Little Words for Better (Business) Relationships. Read the article and others like it on Fluid Hive’s Ask Like a Designer.

Photo of Dawan StanfordIn these short Ask Like a Designer episodes on the Design Thinking 101 podcast, you’ll find new ways to explore the show’s stories and ideas about design-driven innovation. I’ll share methods, templates, and ideas that have worked in my practice in teaching.

What did you think of this episode? Please send your questions, suggestions, and guest ideas to Dawan and the Fluid Hive team.

Cheers ~ Dawan
Design Thinking 101 Podcast Host
President, Fluid Hive

Show Highlights

[00:56] It is listening, not love, that is at the core of a strong relationship.
[01:16] The three little words: tell me more.
[01:47] Why “tell me more” is so powerful.
[01:56] “Tell me more” is better than “why.”
[02:36] The importance of good listening.
[02:50] There are many ways of using and phrasing “tell me more.”
[02:55] When someone stops talking.
[03:15] Parroting the other’s words.
[03:33] Parrot questions.
[03:51] Long silences can encourage someone to keep talking.
[04:14] Spotlighting the other’s silences.
[04:42] Noticing changes.
[05:07] Listening is different from interviewing, advising, or negotiating.
[05:25] When we listen, we learn.
[05:50] Designing an event means creating an environment for good listening.
[06:06] Listening is not passive
[06:12] Listening is fundamental to design.
[06:35] Free Ask Like a Designer tool to help you practice “tell me more” and in turn, become a better listener.

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DT101 Episodes You Might Like

Ask Like a Designer — DT101 E61
Design, and One Question to Rule Them All // ALD 002 — DT101 E63
There Are No Problems Worth Solving — Only Questions Worth Asking // ALD 003 — DT101 E65
Your Good-Life OS: Designing a System for Living Well and Peak Performance // ALD 004 — DT101 E67
The Swiss-Army Lives of How-Might-We Questions // ALD 005 — DT 101 E69
Designing Facilitation: A System for Creating and Leading Exceptional Events // ALD 006 — DT101 E73
The Innovation Saboteur’s Handbook // ALD 007 — DT101 E77

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Cheers ~ Dawan

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