The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving 644: How to Tap the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Breakthroughs in Leadership and Life, with Co-CEO of Transcend, Jeff Wetzler (Strategy Skills classics)
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Apr 13, 2026 Jeff Wetzler, co-CEO of Transcend and former Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America, shares the Ask Approach™ to surface what others really think, know, and feel. He explains why people withhold truths, five practices to create curiosity and safety, how to get honest feedback from seniors and families, and ways to activate collective genius and use AI to deepen listening.
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Team Member Hid A Yearlong Struggle
- Jeff recounted a team member who hid a year-long struggle and only told him later, costing lost opportunity to help.
- He realized earlier knowledge could have allowed much earlier, more effective support.
Sift Reflect And Close The Loop
- Reflect and reconnect: sift what matters, reflect at story/steps/deep 'stuff' levels, then close the loop with the speaker.
- Tell people what you learned and what you'll do to encourage future candid sharing.
Turn Anxiety Into A Cue To Be Curious
- Use emotions as cues for curiosity: notice when stressed and treat that as a signal to slow down or enlist help to become curious.
- Curiosity can be a team sport; ask a colleague to help you reframe when hijacked by emotion.
