5 Keys to Working With Almost Anyone

Ever had a work relationship that just clicked? You understood each other, pushed each other's thinking, resolved conflicts with ease, and generated amazing results together. If you’re struggling to remember a relationship like that, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re immediate response may have been, “wait, those relationships are real?! I thought they were just on TV.”?

Sadly, the opportunity for growth, connection and impact that work often presents is marred by what seems to be an abundance of interpersonal crud that gums up relationships, adds friction, tension, stress and anxiety to the experience, and leads, eventually, to stifled potential, subpar output and widespread unhappiness.

But, what if it didn’t have to be that way? What if there were simple things you could that, no matter the circumstance, the culture, the history or person, made things so much more ease-filled and, maybe even, joyful along the way?

?? Michael Bungay Stanier believes these "best possible relationships" are within reach for all of us - if we have the right conversation first. He pointed to a simple yet profound insight:?

“The how of how we work together matters far more than the what.”

By having an open and honest "keystone conversation" before diving into tasks and projects, we lay the groundwork for true collaboration and mutual growth.?

Here are the 5 essential questions that frame a keystone conversation, from our recent conversation on the SPARKED Podcast that Michael recommends asking any coworker or colleague:

Identify Your Amplified Self

First, get clear on when you shine and bring out your best. Share this vulnerable yet empowering insight to help others understand and support your "genius." As Michael says, "When people can remove the fear and be themselves, that's when the magic happens."

Reveal Your Steady Working Style

Share your working style: what do others need to know about how you operate and make decisions? Your preferences may seem "normal" to you but frustrate others if left unsaid. Getting these out in the open prevents inevitable conflict.

Learn from Past Relationships

Discuss both positive and negative past work experiences. Repetitive patterns will emerge - so focus the conversation on replicating more of what succeeds and less of what causes dysfunction. Self-reflection is key here.

Commit to Repairing Issues

Declare your intention from the start: when conflicts inevitably arise, we will fix them together. This willingness to repair - before repair is even needed - sets a foundation for a long-term working relationship built on trust.

Anticipate Obstacles

Talk about potential misunderstandings or problems that could strain the relationship. By bringing these obstacles into the light, you preemptively defuse their power. You also develop solutions before situations become heated.

Having these candid "keystone conversations" helps forge authentic connections that weather the ups and downs at work. The effort it takes in the beginning sets you up for ease later.

Curious for more tips on how to structure and have a truly transformative keystone conversation? Listen to my full SPARKED podcast episode with Michael below or on your favorite podcast app, and check out his new book, How to Work with Almost Anyone to discover a simple yet profound formula for bringing out the best in those you work with.?

#GettingThingsDone #ManagementTips #GrowthHacking

— This week’s SPARKED Tools & Resources —

Dive into the resources we've curated below and get started on the road to a more productive and inspired you this week:

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When your boss gives you bad feedback, badly. We've all been there — receiving feedback from our boss that leaves us feeling frustrated, defensive, and confused. Find out how to navigate these challenging situations (and emotions) and turn them into opportunities for growth using this article's insights.

Why AI won't be the burnout cure we've been waiting for. AI is breaking through as a mainstream tool that automates time-consuming tasks, but does it live up to the hype when it comes to alleviating worker burnout? Uncover the complexities and potential drawbacks of this technology and reliance on it in this article and decide for yourself.

What music makes you productive at work? There's a reason why lo-fi playlists for focus have been trending these days. If you're looking for creative ways to boost your productivity at work, discover how music impacts focus and overall performance and uncover the perfect mix to elevate your work game all in this article.

— Let’s Stay Connected —

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