Approach People as a Blank Slate

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Episode #275: Joe Navarro - The World's #1 Body Language Expert (FBI Special Agent)

Show Notes:

• Commonalities of sustaining excellence:
  • They are exceptional observers
  • They understand the needs, wants, desires, fears, and opportunities of themselves and others
  • Strong attention to detail
  • High levels of self and situational awareness
  • "I don't go where the puck is. I go where it's going to be." - Wayne Gretzky
• Some leaders can get mired in the mindless day to day actions. The great ones focus on what's most important.
• Understanding non-verbals can lead to deep relationships.
• "One of the reasons we study non-verbals is so we can be empathetic."
• Moving to The U.S. as an 8 year old refugee from Cuba -- Joe could not speak the language, so it forced him to pay close attention to the non-verbal communication from his teachers and peers.
• The amazing focus of The Wright Brothers and how that led to their success
• Why the FBI called Joe when he was graduating from BYU
• "In the FBI, I was a paid observer. I detected when something was wrong with the person right in front of me."
• How do we become what we are capable of?
  • "It starts today. What are my limitations right now? Am I observing the things I should be observing?"
  • "People are what's most important. We have to be better observers."
• "Education is a continuous process. I still see myself as a student."
• "Curious people are usually exceptional."
• "Communication is both reflexive and fluid."
• Do not be cynical or expect people to lie. Treat everyone with a blank slate. Ask questions. Listen. Ask follow up questions...
  • "I never assume to have all the facts. I want to hear what you have to say before I make a conclusion."
• "Our job as leaders is to ask questions, not presume we know all the answers."
• JFK vs Nixon debate:
  • Why did the TV viewers think JFK won while the radio listeners thought Nixon won?
    • JFK was tan, good looking, put makeup on, wore a tailored suit. Nixon had a cold, suit didn't fit as well, didn't wear makeup, he didn't look as good as JFK.
• How we dress is important:
  • "Everything is communicating something about us."
• Winston Churchill -- "He always rehearsed what he planned to say in a meeting."
• Also think, "How can I say this in the fewest number of words?"
• Abraham Lincoln spoke for 2 minutes and 26 seconds for the Gettysburg Address. The speaker before him spoke for 2 hours. We remember people who can effectively be concise.
  • "Choose each word carefully."
• How an introvert can succeed at a networking event?
  • "It's a performance. Lead with curiosity. Ask questions. Get to know one person at a time."
• Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea
• Use the "Get To Know You Document"

"When you ask someone for help, you're giving them the opportunity to feel amazing."

Social Media:

• Follow Joe on Twitter: @navarrotells
• Read: What Every BODY Is Saying
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Join our Facebook Group: The Learning Leader Community
• To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12

More Learning:

Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 216: Jim Collins -- How To Go From Good To Great

Episode 200: Keith Hawk & AJ Hawk -- Showing Up, Doing The Work, Earning Trust, Helping Others, Winning The Super Bowl, Celebrating #200

Episode 234: Jocko Willink -- Why Discipline Equals Freedom