There is no tool I’ve found to be more effective in 10x-ing the productivity of a working relationship than a 30 minute introductory conversation.
How it works: Before you need to collaborate with a colleague/partner on a project or request them for something, go for a coffee or walk outdoors with them. Then, spend that time getting to know them with your pick of questions. My favorites are – i) “Would love to get to know your story starting from when you were born…”, ii) “What is the dream?,” and iii) “What do you like doing when you have free time?”
(And, if they’re interested, share your story too :-))
As simple as this sounds, I’ve found that it is easy to forget to do this in the face of the many urgent things that need to get done.
And, yet, this knowledge leads to the the understanding and trust that enables us to collaborate effectively.
