Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced.

Show Notes

Effective and productive teams and relationships are based on the ability to communicate safely and to fail successfully. In this episode, Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares profound insights on the different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—and their implications for learning and innovation. 
In her conversation with host and Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Edmonson opens up about her struggles with failure, highlighting the importance of moving from rumination to reflection. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced as a crucial step toward growth and success.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Matt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Edmondson and her new book the Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.
(00:01:38) Psychological Safety Communication Strategies
The concept of psychological safety and its role in fostering open communication and risk-taking within teams.
(00:05:36) Leader's Role in Creating a Safe Environment
A leader's role in acknowledging vulnerability and creating a culture of appreciation for candid feedback.
(00:08:27) Empowering Every Team Member
Benefits of empowering every team member to contribute to psychological safety.
(00:10:46) Understanding Failure
The importance of psychological safety in admitting mistakes and exploring the concept of failure.
(00:14:07) Communicating About Failure
How leaders can effectively communicate about failures to encourage team learning and resilience. 
(00:18:34) Unequal Opportunity to Fail
The unequal opportunity to fail, particularly for underrepresented groups.
(00:20:39) The Final Three Questions
Amy Edmondson shares her challenges with failure, a communicator she most admires, and three ingredients to a successful communication recipe.

Creators & Guests

Host
Matt Abrahams
Lecturer Stanford University Graduate School of Business | Think Fast Talk Smart podcast host

What is Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques?

Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, every Tuesday as he sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world challenges.
How do I send my message clearly when put on the spot? How do I write emails to get my point across? How can I easily convey complex information? How do I manage my reputation? Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life.
Think Fast, Talk Smart provides the tools, techniques, and best practices to help you communicate more effectively.
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