Meaningful conversations can be a creative lab space. At their best, they're a place to share perspectives and be heard. They can also be a place to stress test new ideas and catch the limits in our thinking.

When conversations work, we gain a stronger connection to the people we work with. We feel like we understand each other better and that we're channeling each other's knowledge and skills to achieve a bigger goal.

Yet these kinds of conversations are far too rare. And I don't think it's intentional. I think it's because we don't know how to design them.

That's what motivated me to read Fred Dust's latest book, Making Conversation: Seven Essential Elements of Meaningful Communication. A former senior partner and global managing director at international design firm, IDEO, Fred's designed these kinds of conversations for hundreds of organizations across multiple industries.

Fred gives us permission to make better conversations a priority, and he shares insights on how to do it effectively.

Episode Links

Where Do Ideas Come From? Fred Dust at Aspen Ideas

Active Listening

Frank Osborn on Brainstorming

Responsive Classroom

The Op Ed Project

Courtney E. Martin

Curious Minds at Work Team

Learn more about creator and host, Gayle Allen, and producer and editor, Rob Mancabelli, here. 

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