Talking

Bitesize Videos

Circlesheila

In this Knowledge Project podcast with Farnam Street, Sheila dissects conversational contexts and shares some practical insights to help us reframe the idea of 'difficult' and ensure that effective communication takes place.

Decoding Difficult Conversations — Sheila Heen unpacks the layers within those conversations you're probably avoiding.

Daniel

Podcast

Mike Sagun is coach and facilitator, working with companies like DropBox, LinkedIn, and Google. Mike also partners with EVRYMAN, where he hosts and facilitates men’s groups and retreats. In this podcast, hosted by Conversation Factory founder and fellow facilitation lover Daniel Stillman — Mike shares some of his hard earned learning around bringing virtual groups together with presence and purpose.

Mastering (Virtual) Presence, coach and facilitator Mike Sagun in conversation for the Conversation Factory

Diff

Book

Field tested, and immediately applicable, in Never Split the Difference former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss guides us through the art of negotiation. Packed with practical principles, the ideas in the book are perfect for anyone looking to up their negotiation game at work, home or anywhere in-between. Here we unpack some of the key guidance and takeaways from the book.

Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss

Tool

A pleasing, and practical three part tool for purposefully presenting ourselves to others. The beauty of the Root, Stem, Branch framework is in how it enables us to get ourselves across in way that reveals our story memorably and with relevance.

Root, Stem, Branch — An organic approach for telling your own story

Tension

Tapping into the age-old power of storytelling can help us connect in all kinds of contexts, from 1-1's with our team-members to our outward facing customer advertising. And the simple framework outlined here can help bring simplicity and structure all kinds of stories. As easy as ABT...

And-But-Therefore — Try out a tested storytelling technique

Keen to learn more about how we change our minds, and persuade others too? In Think Again, organisational psychologist, and best-selling author, Adam Grant explores the science behind both. The book explores the biases and assumptions that we bring to our decision-making, and outlines methods for building mindsets of curiosity and growth. Grant introduces the critical skill of 'rethinking' — and how to be more intentional in our open-mindedness. Here we boil down some insights and takeouts from the book.

Think Again, by Adam Grant

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Recorded prior to the publication of his new book Chatter, Ethan joined the American Psychological Society's 'Speaking of Psychology' podcast, for a fascinating conversation, prompted by a tweet that went viral — sparking debate around the reality of inner monologues.

The voice in your head, and how to harness it — with psychologist Ethan Kross.

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The resources here support aspects of our live session on Mastering Business Models — with a focus on Alex Osterwalder's super-practical Business Model Canvas. We've linked to the Miro board used in a recent session too; often helpful for talking teams through what's covered.

Course Pack: The Business Model Canvas

AO Gpic

Facilitation and mediation expert Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives — whether business meetings or dinner parties — are often lacking in punch and purpose. Recommended reading for anyone who brings others together, The Art of Gathering, sets out a bold new approach to gathering,  inviting us to embrace distinctiveness and real human connection. Here we summarise some of Parker's sets most practical steps for invigorating any kind of group.

The Art of Gathering, by Priya Parker

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Developed by the team at LifeLabs learning, and drawing from Daniel Pink's thinking in his book Drive — this model enables us to quickly sense-check how engaged (or disengaged) people in our team are feeling. Great for leaders and managers, and great for self-awareness raising too.

What's your team's CAMPS score? Get a snapshot of engagement levels.

Press Play

Understanding the distinction between Calling Out and Calling in; and arming ourselves with timely expressions, talking points and intentional language will contribute to cultures of inclusive growth and psychological safety.

Intentional Interruption: Calling Out vs. Calling In

Encourage your team to get to know each other on a deeper level, discussing differences and strengths — by using the hundred-year-old personality test as a simple tool for connection and conversation.

Get your team talking to each other with a practical take on the Myers-Briggs personality test

Feedback

These curated resources, many referenced in our Owning Feedback course, will help you to dig deeper into the topic and revisit some of the key concepts covered (noticing, BID and much more besides). We've shared the workshop slides too, for those planning to replay was covered among their teams. Embed your learning by sharing it with others!

Course Pack: Owning Feedback

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Video

Digital product studio ustwo founder Matt Miller — aka Mills —  describes his experience of ADHD, what it's meant for his working relationships and the transformative power of neurodiversity.

ADHD, work and leading teams — a first person perspective

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Copywriter and Creative Director Steve Harrison talks about how putting the reader in the driving seat can transform our writing.

The power of 'You' in writing

Rise Pair Icons

This 10-minute tool is intended to raise awareness, inspire curiosity and further conversation around the topic of neurodiversity — helping us all to think smarter about those who think differently.

eCourse: Neurodiversity Knowledge-Check

Visual Icon

In our How to Have Ideas workshop we share the simple Visual Collisions tool — a playful, punchy and purposeful approach to sparking our imaginations. Here's a digital version for you to use solo, or among your teams.

eCourse: Visual Collisions

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Roger Horberry is an author and copywriter. Here he demystifies the writing process, and offers a helpful tip for crafting good copy.

Clear and simple copy

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Most of us are pretty bad at breathing, even though it's one of the most important things you can do to improve brain performance. Author and entrepreneur Chris Baréz-Brown shares a quick exercise to get you back in the zone.

Breathing for productivity

Whether you’ve got a new team that hasn’t worked together before, or want to bring new energy into a group, this simple exercise helps everyone get to know each other to make workflows more enjoyable and efficient for all.

Knowing me, knowing you

Nickandray

Creative director, and Saboteur co-founder, Nick Eagleton believes the secret to generating great ideas is generating more of them. And that starts with making connections.

How to generate more ideas (and get to the good ones) with Nick Eagleton

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An edit of newly added resources and those proving consistently popular among our partners' teams.