Podcaster. Writer. š Hello, I want us to go from simply having conversations, to actively creating better conversations ā https://craigconstantine.com/ has more about me, and my ongoing projects.
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Upward spiral
The positive feedback of seeking the interesting I’m sometimes asked how to cultivate curiosity to improve one’s conversations. There is a positive feedback loop that can arise when we notice we are interested. We are drawn to return to that place or to that situation. Unfortunately, we quickly tire of places and situations. To thrive,…
Holes
Getting a handle on the unknown We cannot tackle the unknown by simply tumbling into the void. Questions are knowledge-shaped holes. Having such a shape provides anticipation for learning. Do we want the first answer for every question? Do we really want just whatever happens to be the first thing we discover that fits? There’s…
On Dialogue
Book On DialogueĀ byĀ David Bohm, 2004 āĀ Never before has there been a greater need for deeper listening and more open communication to cope with the complex problems facing our organizations, businesses and societies. Renowned scientist David Bohm believed there was a better way for humanity to discover meaning and to achieve harmony. He identified creative dialogue,…
Attention is kindness
Listening is a gift of our attention In the end, we have a gift we can share, and keeping it to ourselves preserves us nothing. Attention is as precious as our irreplaceable time. Giving our attention to someone is an opportunity to feel kindness for another person. What do we do? How do we lean…
Spaciousness
Creating space by holding on to questions Flow state is often spoken of as a goal for any mastery practice. In such a state, there’s a feeling of spaciousness, and room for creativity to blossom. We’re waiting. We’re waiting for the next idea. We’re not grasping at the first idea which comes to mind. Effective…
Humanizing and fun
Where can you be more, “Yes, andā¦”? We feel such conversations “went well” and we’re glad for the humanizing experience. Good improv requires considerable effort. The act of “yes, andā¦” requires nimble thinking, an assumption of positive intent, and the leaning-in posture of engagement. Good-will is absolutely necessary for improv to work well. And it’s…
Adversity and challenge
What is the difference between adversity and challenge in the context of conversations, and how can one navigate these dynamics to foster curiosity and deeper understanding? Exploring the fine line between adversity and challenge can transform the nature of our conversations. This article is based on the episode Adversity and Challenge from the Open +…
Stop asking sense
Weird questions point to what’s interesting If what we seek is an exchange of ideas, then weird questions are better than clear questions. A great conversation isn’t us taking a test, with our conversation partner grading our thinking. We’re not trying to show our work. We shouldn’t be seeking affirmation. Asking weird questions of our…
Crucial Conversations
Book Crucial ConversationsĀ by Switzler, Gregory, McMillan, et al., 2021 āĀ Crucial ConversationsĀ provides powerful skills to ensure every conversationāespecially difficult onesāleads to the results you want. Written in an engaging and witty style, it teaches readers how to be persuasive rather than abrasive, how to get back to productive dialogue when others blow up or clam up,…
Reverberations
Could you begin your next conversation from an unusual notion? We could sit back and hope that a conversation moves into the new, and surprises us with those reverberations Hillman mentions. Hoping isn’t good enough. All good conversation has some element of surprise because it’s interesting when we discover something new; it doesn’t matter whether…