The Art of Connection with Michael Gelb

Introduction:- Phil introduces Michael Gelb, author of "The Art of Connection," and their long-standing connection dating back to when Phil worked at Strong Investments and Michael wrote "Thinking Like Leonardo da Vinci."- Michael's diverse interests, including wine, creativity, and leadership, have led to his latest book, "The Art of Connection," which focuses on how to enhance connections in various aspects of life.Segment 1: The Journey from Wine to Da Vinci and Beyond- Michael shares his approach to choosing topics for his books, emphasizing his passion and curiosity for subjects that can help others.- The connection between his wine book and "The Art of Connection" as both address the importance of building connections and fostering collaboration.- Michael's experience with using wine tasting as a team-building activity to break down barriers and foster connection among participants.Segment 2: The Art of Connection vs. The Science of Connection- Michael explains why he calls it "The Art of Connection" despite the presence of scientific research in the book.- The distinction between understanding the science of connection and applying it effectively, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive in interactions.- The role of curiosity and being fully present in establishing meaningful connections with others.Segment 3: Being Present and Fully Engaged- The significance of being present and engaged in interactions, drawing inspiration from Winston Churchill's quote, "We are all worms, but I do believe that I am a glowworm."- The idea that everyone matters and has more influence than they might realize, and how small acts of kindness can create positive ripples in relationships.- The concept of reciprocity and the balance of energy exchange in relationships, including the distinction between givers, takers, and matchers.Segment 4: Balancing the Energy Exchange- Delving into the importance of balancing the energy exchange in relationships and how it impacts individuals' well-being.- Michael's personal experience and commitment to maintaining balance in his own relationship, emphasizing open communication and dialogue.- The role of humility and curiosity in being a good listener, acknowledging that effective listening requires continuous practice and self-awareness.Segment 5: Turning Friction into Momentum- Exploring the fifth skill in "The Art of Connection" – turning friction into momentum.- The significance of conflict resolution in relationships and the need to separate conflict from a contest.- Encouraging creativity in resolving conflicts by understanding the underlying needs of stakeholders and finding new solutions that benefit everyone.- The broader impact of constructive conflict resolution on society as a whole.Conclusion:- Phil and Michael recap the key takeaways from the conversation, highlighting the importance of being present, embracing curiosity, balancing energy exchange, and effectively handling conflicts.- Michael invites listeners to connect with him through his website and on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and explore further insights into "The Art of Connection."Final ThoughtsThis podcast episode features an engaging discussion with Michael Gelb about his book "The Art of Connection." It delves into the importance of fostering meaningful connections in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to leadership and teamwork. Michael's insights on being present, balancing energy exchange, and constructive conflict resolution provide valuable takeaways for listeners seeking to enhance their own connections and relationships.A few notable quotables:"Emotions are contagious for better or for worse, so be careful about what you catch and spread." - Michael Gelb"Balance the energy exchange in your relationships. Monitor and adjust it so that each person feels the energy is flowing and they feel a sense of gratitude." - Michael Gelb"One of the big secrets of creative collaboration is learning how to have conflict that is respectful and dynamic and inspires thought." - Michael Gelb"The goal of a conflict in a relationship is not to score more points than the other person, but to use creativity to meet the underlying needs of all stakeholders." - Michael Gelb"Be present and open, assume there's more to know, and be curious. That attitude will strengthen your sense of presence and humility." - Michael Gelb This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyaf.substack.com/subscribe