Charles Duhigg. “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection”

Dear Friends,

This week’s evidence comes from one of my favorite authors, Charles Duhigg. “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection” (2024) is particularly relevant to educational leaders. For people who are coaching colleagues, this might be especially helpful. Some key findings:

  • Supercommunicators ask 10-20 times as many questions as others. 

  • Matching principle – emotional conversation? Decision-making? Social? Matching is not mimicry – one needs to genuinely understand what they are feeling.

  • “Do you want to be helped, hugged, or heard?” Ask people what they need to achieve a learning conversation.

  • Some groups are much more synchronized than others. These groups included the super communicator – not necessarily a strong leader. Strong leaders did not help people align – dominant people pushed people into their own separate thoughts. 

  • Great communicators spoke less than dominant leaders – usually to ask questions, not to give directions. 

  • Prove that you are listening closely.

I can be reached at 781-710-9633 or douglas.reeves@creativeleadership.net, if you want to discuss this week’s research.

Best,

Doug

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