In this episode of ICommunicate, Mark Altman, Founder of MindsetGo, discusses how the phrase “Common Sense” interferes with having an open-mind, problem-solving, innovation, employee engagement and psychological safety. Listen and learn how to use curiosity and emotional intelligence to improve your communication.

Segment 1:

Habits and behaviors that are innate to us may not be so obvious to people around us, which makes it so important for us to understand where people are coming from. What is the difference between societal etiquette and common sense? What is the mindset that makes up “common sense,” and how can we ensure that we’re making the best decisions that we can in a given situation?

Segment 2:

Although we’ve spent our entire career building up essential work and life skills, there are bound to be important things that we lack proficiency in. What skills should be “common sense” for us to know at this point in our lives? What makes a habit or behavior “common sense” to know?

Segment 3:

As leaders, we need to understand the weight and significance of telling our team “I don’t know.” Is it a detriment to tell that to our teams, or is there a benefit to admitting to our teams when we don’t have answers? What is the best way to motivate our peers into changing a habit or behavior?

Segment 4:

Empathy is an extremely powerful tool that can often be the deciding factor in whether or not we influence somebody else. How can our usage of empathy shape the way people interact with us? When we’re unsure what the level of experience is of the person we’re working with, how can we ask clarifying questions in a way that isn’t condescending?