There are some people you click with instantly at work—your collaboration is effortless, productive and enjoyable. But with others, it seems impossible; misunderstandings and friction mar every interaction.

What if there was a way to work with almost anyone—easily, effortlessly and in a way that brings out the very best in both of you - even those you’ve struggled with in the past?

My guest today, Michael Bungay Stanier believes we can. In this episode, I speak with Michael about his powerful yet practical new book, How to Work with Almost Anyone.

Michael reveals a key insight: before diving into the what of any work— the tasks, projects and deliverables—you must first have a critical conversation, centered around 5 critical questions.

If you've ever found yourself idling in an unproductive working dynamic that feels stuck in neutral, unwilling or unable to shift gears, listen in as Michael reveals the simple yet transformative formula for how to work well with almost anyone. I believe you'll walk away with renewed hope that even the most challenging colleagues, clients and co-workers have the potential to become powerful collaborators—if only we can summon the courage to have the right kind of conversation.

In today’s episode we’re in conversation with:

SPARKED BRAINTRUST ADVISOR: Michael Bungay Stanier | Website

Michael helps people know they’re awesome and they’re doing great. He’s best known for The Coaching Habit, the best-selling coaching book of the century and recognized as a classic. His most recent book, How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, shows how to build the Best Possible Relationship with the key people at work.

YOUR HOST: Jonathan Fields

Jonathan is a dad, husband, award-winning author, multi-time founder, executive producer and host of the Good Life Project podcast, and co-host of SPARKED, too! He’s also the creator of an unusual tool that’s helped more than 650,000 people discover what kind of work makes them come alive - the Sparketype® Assessment, and author of the bestselling book, SPARKED.

So what is your Sparketype? Turns out, we all have a unique imprint for work that makes us come alive, this is your Sparketype. When you discover yours, everything, your entire work-life- and even parts of your personal life and relationships - begins to make sense. Until you know yours, you’re kind of fumbling in the dark. 

How to submit your question for the SPARKED Braintrust: Wisdom-seeker submissions

More on Sparketypes at: Discover You Sparketype | The Book | The Website

Read more on the Sparked Newsletter on LinkedIn.

Connect with Jonathan Fields on LinkedIn.

Presented by LinkedIn.