Standard Deviations with Dr. Daniel Crosby

John Nolan - Business Lessons From a Spy: Unconventional Wisdom for Leaders

Jan 24, 2019
In this intriguing discussion, John Nolan, a Vietnam veteran and former CIA operative with 22 years of experience, shares unconventional business wisdom drawn from his espionage background. He reveals the key skill that differentiates great spies from the rest and discusses surprising tactics employed by companies to steal secrets. Nolan emphasizes the art of elicitation, enabling strangers to divulge information comfortably. He also delves into philanthropy, advocating for self-sufficiency through entrepreneurial initiatives, showcasing the power of conversation and positive assumptions in building rapport.
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ADVICE

Plan Conversations Like Big Moments

  • Plan important conversations the way you plan major life events; prepare desired outcomes and structure.
  • Intentional preparation reduces risk and increases the chance of achieving your objective.
ADVICE

Prime The Conversation With Tests

  • Test conversational techniques early with provocative statements and small reveals to see what triggers the person.
  • Use those early reactions to tailor elicitation tactics later in the discussion.
ADVICE

Suspend Ego To Get People Talking

  • Suspend your ego and amplify the other person's ego to gather information more easily.
  • Prioritize extracting information over 'winning' the conversation.
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