172. Bring Mindfulness to Your Communication

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Mindfulness can transform your communication and your career.

When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we take back control of how we respond.

“​​​​Before speaking at work, breathe,” Goldsmith says. “Is my comment going to improve this other human being's commitment? At home, breathe. Is my comment going to improve this relationship with someone I love? If the answer is no, why am I saying it?”

As a world-renowned executive coach, speaker, and best-selling author, Goldsmith teaches how a mindful approach can change how we relate to others, to ourselves, and even to our career goals and ambitions. Through reflection, we identify our values, which we can use to live what Goldsmith calls an “earned life — when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Goldsmith joins host Matt Abrahams to explore practical strategies for bettering our interactions with others and ourselves, from his “feed forward” method for giving and receiving constructive critique to his "daily questions" practice, which prompts reflective self-inquiry to keep us focused on what truly matters.

Episode Reference Links:

• Marshall Goldsmith
• Marshall’s Books: What Got Here Won't Get You There / Triggers
• Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:45) - Key Communication Advice
• (01:27) - An Earned Life
• (03:24) - Transition to Leadership
• (04:55) - Breathe Before Speaking
• (06:10) - Feedforward vs. Feedback
• (07:10) - Managing Triggers
• (09:01) - Daily Success Checklist
• (11:39) - Using AI for Coaching
• (13:08) - Influencing Up Leadership
• (14:43) - The Final Three Questions
• (17:38) - Conclusion