Category: Conversations

Consider these unorthodox tips for better meetings

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date June 12, 2023

Abstract Image of Business People's Silhouettes in a Meeting

It’s been a few weeks since I read “More Time to Think.”

More Time to Think is the sequel to Time to Think. The first book addresses the theory behind creating a thinking environment culture. The second book is more of a practical how-to guide.

Both books are created on a scientifically justified premise that when companies can create a culture where each individual feels safe and encouraged to access, use and share their thinking, all performance indicators point in the right direction.… Read the rest

Tags Effectiveneness, Leadership, Listening, Meetings, Teamwork

Communication Conflict Conversations Dialogue Productivity

What would it look like if you did win?

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date June 5, 2023

There’s a commercial on Dutch TV about the risk of polarization. It’s short, cute, and full of great intentions.

You witness friends and a father and daughter argue over climate and immigrant issues. A voiceover enters the scene and states:

“What will it look like when you win this argument?”

It was followed by making the point that our world is becoming increasingly polarized and that it’s really up to us to do something about it.… Read the rest

Tags Arguments, Communication, Conversations, Effectiveneness, Winning

Conversations Courage Dialogue Mindset Values

Tough Love

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date December 23, 2022

When was your last tough love conversation?

What was tough about it?

When and how did the love part show its face?

Before I continue, I assume you’re familiar with the principle of tough Love.

Tough Love is the ability to be direct, constructive, specific, and to the point about someone’s behavior while balancing this with a general feeling of empathy, understanding, connection, and compassion.… Read the rest

Tags Conflict, Conversations, dialogue, Skills, Tough Love

Conversations Courage Feedback Growth Mindset

Four reasons why we fail at crucial conversations

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date December 19, 2022

We usually avoid the tough conversations

Recently the world population reached 8 billion people.

That’s 8 billion people that are part of a worldwide community of human beings that need each other to grow, flourish, be happy, and create fulfillment in their lives.

Roughly (very roughly) 20% of those 8 billion are children. That leaves about 6 billion adults.… Read the rest

Tags Conversations, Courage, How to, Relationships, Skills

Change Conversations Dialogue Leadership Reflection

Old School

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date November 28, 2022

What do you do with milk that has expired?

What do you do with clothes that are no longer in fashion?

What do you do with beliefs that no longer fit in modern times?

Recently I heard the term ‘old school’ again from two different sources within two days.

It had been a while since I heard the term, so it triggered a reaction. … Read the rest

Tags Beliefs, Change, Leadership, Listening, Old School

Conversations Helping others Human Resources Team effectiveness Values

Team Help

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date August 22, 2022

I wonder what percentage of companies have some version of teamwork in their values.

All the companies I was employed by had some form of teamwork in their values.

Teamwork, like integrity, is the value almost every company posts on its walls.

That last part of the sentence was intentional — ‘the posting on the walls’ part.… Read the rest

Tags Behavior, Collaboration, Helping others, Teamwork, Values

Asking Questions Communication Conversations Culture Leadership

The Heart of your Business

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date August 5, 2022

We succeed or fail one conversation at a time

Last week I conducted my training called “Growing Leaders and Culture.”

Its principles are based on effective dialogue.

Why?

Because dialogue is what makes people grow and deliver on their dreams.

You’ve done half the work if you understand that running a successful business is an accumulation of constructive, forward-looking, and growth-focused dialogues.… Read the rest

Communication Conversations Self awareness

Watch your language

Post author By Erikjan Lantink
Post date July 8, 2022

“We’ve discussed this several times before.”

Ok, if we already discussed this several times before, why are we discussing it again then?

Was it because we never decided what we needed to do? Or perhaps, we didn’t listen well enough? Or is it possible that you didn’t explain it adequately?

Or perhaps, you just don’t know how to have a proper conversation.… Read the rest