December 5, 2022  

How to Talk Collaboratively With Anyone | WT #30

Darren Smith

Collaboration, Weekly TRUTH

0  comments

I have used this little gem of a collaborative conversation tool daily for 25 years. Conversation focused on the other person is the grist for collaborating effectively. It helps you keep the conversation meaningful (focused on the other person). You ask the other person about their family or their friends you may know, what they do of interest in their work, what are their hobbies and if you have a business reason for talking to them, share your message.

FORM

  • F = family, friends
  • O = occupation
  • R = recreation
  • M = message
Deeper conversation can be created with this tool – ACE. I usually use this if I know the other person or after I’ve learned about them by asking the FORM questions first. You might show appreciation by thanking the other person for being a current member of the army reserves. Connections come from commonalities between two people and acknowledging them. For example, maybe your father was in the military. Finally, say something to raise the other person up, even if it is simply an energized – “make something happen today” encouragement…

ACE

  • A = appreciation
  • C = connect
  • E = Elevate

This article was last modified on December 6, 2022 .

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON MIGHTY NETWORKS
Previous
Next

About the author 

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.

Tags

You may also like

Talk Less; Say More | WT #108

At dinner one night, my son couldn’t stop talking. In an attempt to teach him a lesson, I shared a simple truth: the less you talk, the smarter people think you are. Years later, I was reminded of that wisdom when a colleague was described as someone who “talks the least, yet says the most.” Humility isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing when to speak and when to listen.

Read More

Perfect Timing Is Never by Accident | WT #107

Perfect timing is never by accident. When Jeanne forwarded a Weekly Truth email to her son, she had no idea it would provide exactly the guidance he needed at a crucial moment. Read how a timely message—and a structured decision-making tool—helped him navigate a difficult workplace challenge with confidence and clarity.

Read More