Hi,
Thanks for joining me this week.
As a reminder:
I’ll send you a useful tip each week to help you improve your communication skills.
TIP OF THE WEEK
[The Price of Constant Strength]
Let's talk about something that's been playing on my mind lately - this idea that we always need to appear strong in our interactions with others.
It's interesting how many of us have bought into this myth that showing any kind of vulnerability means we're weak.
I see it all the time in negotiations, in leadership, and even in personal relationships.
We're trying so hard to maintain this image of having it all together.
It's exhausting, and more importantly, it's getting in the way of real connection.
When you're stuck in "always strong" mode, you:
- Miss what others are really saying (and feeling)
- Build walls instead of bridges
- Make others feel like they need to defend themselves
- Wear yourself out maintaining an image
- Miss moments where being ‘real’ could change everything
The truth is, some of the most powerful moments in both negotiations and relationships happen when we put down our armour.
When you can say "I'm not sure" or "This is challenging," you’re permitting others to do the same.
Think of it this way - we trust people who are genuine with us. And they’re genuine with us because they trust us
This matters because:
- It creates space for an honest conversation
- It helps others feel safe enough to open up
- It leads to solutions you might never have found otherwise
- It builds the kind of trust that lasts
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
Next time you feel yourself holding tight to that "strong" position, pause.
Ask yourself what are you afraid might happen if you released a little control?
Then consider sharing something authentic that might build trust rather than break it.
2 QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT TO ME THIS WEEK
“Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.”
- Brené Brown
"How well we communicate is not determined by how well we say things but how well we are understood."
- Andrew Grove
Until next week,
Scott
Sunday Times bestselling author of ‘Order Out of Chaos’
US Edition 🇺🇸
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