Leaders Read#91

👋 Hello everyone,

Brené Brown said, “Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued.”

Here are a few resources you might have missed:

• Three takeaways on Decision Making and Action

• Book notes: Stillness is The Key by Ryan Holiday

• All 191 Book notes for your enjoyment

• Catch-up: #1 - #90 Leaders Read Newsletters

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📚 Book Summary:

This week's book is "Magic Words" by Jonah Berger.

Words matter. In Magic Words, Jonah Berger provides insights on how certain words can have a great impact—whether people trust us, feel heard, or decide to engage. Through research, including large-scale text analysis like transcripts from LA traffic stops, Berger shows that we often use powerful language patterns without even realizing it.

One of my favorite takeaways from the book is this:

"If someone says they're concerned a new project isn't working, ask them why they feel that way. And if someone says they can't wait for the weekend, ask them what they are looking forward to. Follow-up questions encourage conversation partners to elaborate further. To say more, provide more detail or give more texture. And whether talking to friends or strangers, clients or colleagues, people who ask follow-up questions are perceived more positively. Indeed, when researchers analyzed dating conversations, they found that follow-up questions were particularly helpful in generating a positive impression. People who asked more follow-up questions were more likely to be asked on a second date."

✅ Actionable advice:

If you want to lead better conversations, stop trying to impress and start trying to understand. Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss says, “Ask calibrated questions that start with the words ‘How’ or ‘What.’ Quiet the voices in your head, make your sole and all-encompassing focus the other person and what they have to say.” A great conversationalist keeps the ball in play—so give the conversation back to the other person. These aren’t tricks; they’re tools. They show you’re listening. They show you care. And they build trust. Don’t rush to respond. Don’t hijack the moment. Let the other person speak. Let them feel seen. When you make others feel in control and inspire them to talk at length, you don’t just gather more insight—you build more connections. That’s how you lead—not by talking more, but by listening better.

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Have a great week!