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Friday, August 22, 2025

Lean Quote: 10 Ways to Have A Better Conversation

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.


"It only takes one good conversation to change your understanding of someone else’s world, your world, and the world at large.  —  Celeste Headlee

Recently I ran across this Ted Talk entitled 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation and I think it’s spot on. In a brief 10 minutes, Celeste Headlee (a person that makes her living by talking to people as a professional interviewer) shares great insight on how to have better conversations. I just love her perspective and she promises if you master even one of these 10 things you will enjoy better conversations.

CELESTE HEADLEE'S "10 WAYS TO HAVE A BETTER CONVERSATION"

1. Don't Multitask: Be fully present in the conversation, not half in, half out.

2. Don't Pontificate: Enter every conversation assuming you have something to learn.

3. Use Open-Ended Questions: Start questions with who, what, when, where, why, or how to get more elaborate

answers.

4. Go with the Flow: Let thoughts come and go without losing focus on the conversation.

5. If You Don't Know, Say So: Don't pretend to know something you don't; it's okay to admit ignorance.

6. Don't Equate Your Experience with Theirs: Every experience is unique; don't overshadow theirs with your own.

7. Try Not to Repeat Yourself: Reiterating the same points can be boring and condescending.

8. Stay Out of the Weeds: People care more about you than the minute details of your stories.

9. Listen: Truly listen to understand, not just to reply. It's a crucial skill in meaningful conversations.

10. Be Brief: Keep it concise and show genuine interest in others, which can lead to amazing discoveries.

You can watch Celeste Headlee’s full TED Talk here:

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