Meaningful Discussions - Learning From Others While Giving Back

This episode offers a side trip during the interviews season and focuses on meaningful discussions.  We have mentioned difficult discussions.  However, the important ones are the ones that teach us and provide experience without having to experience failure.  We can find them anywhere and just need to go into them with an intent to go deeper.

Meaningful Discussions - Start With Tell Me Your Story

There are many ways to get others to share their experience with you.  I have found the best way is to directly ask them to share their story.  This may be the journey of their career or how they managed to buy that hotdog they are eating.  The scope and range can vary widely.  However, the key is to get them to share the desired story.  You are showing interest and they likely will respond with a valuable conversation.

Honest Curiosity

When you start from a position of curiosity and open acceptance of the position of others it can lead to meaningful discussions.  That seems to be an important point to make in the modern world of my way or the highway.  The good news is that you will grow and learn by being challenged by the experience and opinions of others.  You do not have to blindly accept nor reject their position.  Take it in, reflect on it, and allow it to refine and define your views and thoughts.  It is a way to think outside of the box with others serving as your muse.

Take The First Step

There are many ways to reach out to others.  You can find a mastermind group such as ours.  You can also find sites like the lunch club.  These are just a few ways to get yourself out of your comfort zone and grow your network of resources.  I think you will find it is far easier to learn from meaningful discussions than you expected.