We Thrive at the Intersection of Creativity and Insight
What uncovers truths and creates meaning alongside others?
Do you believe reading one book can change your life? Why do people say such things? Do they really change or do they find out more about themselves and the world and that makes them a better version of themself?
Here’s what I look for in a book and I completed two recently that met my criteria for useful, entertaining, liberating, and relevant to the experiences of a professional, the practice of a communicator, and the brain of an Everyday Genius™.
Supercommunicators
Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale College. You might think he has no issues with communication. The one paragraph in his book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection that took me down memory lane and hooked me completely was this: “I wrote this book for myself. After I had failed as a manager at work and was wondering why I had become someone who couldn’t seem to read cues or hear what others were saying, I realized I might need to reevaluate how I communicated.”
That was so liberating! As a journalist, professional, and head of the company called The Communicators, Inc., I found a lot of narrative therapy through his words. The most crushing comment from a client I loved working with for three years was “How come the communicators are having trouble communicating?” That crushed my soul for a long time. Not until I read this book did I finally get clear on where I messed up. Duhigg shows us there are three types of conversation—each with different skills and patterns, and if you are in conversation one (What’s This Really About?) and the other is in conversation three (Who Are We?) you are headed for collision and damages.
The right conversation at the right moment changes everything, Duhigg proves. That’s the change you may be feeling—or wanting.
Through his storytelling, Duhigg does much better than the limited view of fixing a problem. Instead, each chapter breaks it out into landscapes of identity and landscapes of action, which helped this reader see myself and others in completely new ways.
Here are three takeaways I got from Supercommunicators and I hope you find your combination of three transformative moments.
Exploration- Duhigg delivers insightful exploration into the art and science of effective communication, offering valuable insights for professionals, communicators, and individuals with exceptional talent or genius.
Professionals—This is a practical guide to mastering the intricacies of communication in various contexts, be it in the workplace, public speaking engagements, or interpersonal interactions. Professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills, negotiate effectively, or connect more deeply with their audience will find a wealth of actionable advice.
Communicators—Whether they are journalists, best-selling authors, or public relations specialists, communicators will find this an invaluable resource for honing their craft. By dissecting real-world examples and psychological principles, Duhigg empowers communicators to craft narratives that resonate deeply with their target audience, fostering genuine connections and driving desired outcomes.
Exceptionally talented or Everyday Genius™— Duhigg offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between communication and intellect. He examines how the most brilliant minds leverage effective communication to convey complex ideas, inspire others, and catalyze change. Whether they are scientists communicating groundbreaking discoveries, artists expressing profound insights, or innovators advocating for revolutionary concepts, individuals of exceptional talent will glean valuable insights from Duhigg's analysis of communication strategies employed by visionaries throughout history.
What happens at the intersection of creativity and insight?
The next book I read, Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power by Dr. Julia DiGangi seemed to crank up the volume from Supercommunicators and got me dancing. It’s the kind of dancing you do and don’t care if anyone is watching or judging you because you are moving with the message and the tempo set by the creator.
This book delves deep into understanding how emotions shape leadership and harnessing this understanding to enhance professional success, communication effectiveness, and genius-level creativity.
If you are mostly all about leadership, with a side of neuroscience and emotional curiosity, this is a page-turner for you.
Here are three takeaways I got from Energy Rising and I hope you find your combination of three transformative moments.
Professionals—Dr. DiGangi intricately weaves together scientific research with practical insights, offering a roadmap for leveraging emotional intelligence to drive organizational success. Even if that organization is just you, others are in your professional story who are not necessarily employees or clients. Through compelling case studies and evidence-backed strategies, professionals will learn how to cultivate a positive emotional climate within their teams, navigate challenging situations gracefully, and inspire peak performance.
Communicators—Dr. DiGangi elucidates the neuroscience behind effective communication, shedding light on how emotions influence interpersonal dynamics and decision-making processes. From mastering non-verbal cues to crafting compelling narratives, communicators will discover practical techniques to engage, influence, and inspire their audiences.
Exceptionally talented or Everyday Genius™— Genius thrives at the intersection of creativity and insight. This book provides a unique lens through which geniuses can enhance their cognitive abilities. By understanding the neural mechanisms underlying emotional intelligence, geniuses can harness the power of emotions to fuel innovation and problem-solving.
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Excellent the way you got at the essence of those books, Georgia. Thank you!
Oh, thank you, Georgia. The VBC was back in 2007, 2008, 2009. I began my career at age 22, back in 1988, as a journalist in the field of psychology, neuroscience, consciousness, and human potential. The book Visionary Behavior in 2007 was the culmination of my thinking in those fields. Been writing novels lately. I'll explore your archive of articles on Substack. Look forward to getting to know you better.