142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:

• Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior.
• Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions.
• Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence.
• Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language.

Episode Reference Links:

• Michelle Gelfand: Website
• Michelle Gelfand Stanford Profile: Website 
• Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World 
• Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose Quiz
• Brian Lowery: Website 
• Brian Lowery’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" 
• Brian Lowery’s Podcast: Know What You See 
• Deborah Gruenfeld’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe 
• Zak Tormala’s Stanford Profile: Website 
• Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles YouTube / Website 
• Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us YouTube / Website 
• Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention YouTube / Website 
• Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Youtube / Website

Connect:

• Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
• Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Producer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members.

(00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse Settings

Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.

(00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity

Brian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces.

(00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and Influence

Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.

(00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication

Zakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement.

(00:18:44) Acting with Power in Interactions

Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.

(00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness

Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.

(00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness

Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.

(00:28:52) Persuasive Communication

Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.

(00:32:13) Participant Reflections

A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.

(00:33:15) Conclusion