July 25, 2023

99. Best of: How to Handle Challenging Conversations

99. Best of: How to Handle Challenging Conversations
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Think Fast Talk Smart

Being a better listener has a lot to do with silence, says Collins Dobbs, a lecturer in management at Stanford Graduate School of Business. “A lot of people are uncomfortable with the smallest modicum of silence, but learning often happens when we create distance for useful reflection.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk SmartDobbs talks with host Matt Abrahams about the importance of “space, pace, and grace” when you’re receiving others’ feedback and handling the emotions that come out during tough discussions.

“There’s often a lot more focus on the skill set on delivering emotion than receiving emotion, but if the receiver of emotion can put themselves in a place of curiosity, agency, and openness … it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.”

Dobbs is an executive coach and teaches several courses, including Interpersonal Dynamics and Leadership Labs. For a full transcript of the interview, visit this episode's web page.

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Collins Dobbs Profile Photo

Collins Dobbs

Lecturer - Stanford University Graduate School of Business