The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

Episode #275: Joe Navarro – The World’s #1 Body Language Expert (FBI Special Agent)

Show Notes:

  • Commonalities of sustaining excellence:
    • They are exceptional observers
    • They understand the needs, wants, desires, fears, and opportunities of themselves and others
    • Strong attention to detail
    • High levels of self and situational awareness
    • “I don’t go where the puck is.  I go where it’s going to be.” – Wayne Gretzky
  • Some leaders can get mired in the mindless day to day actions.  The great ones focus on what’s most important.
  • Understanding non-verbals can lead to deep relationships.
  • “One of the reasons we study non-verbals is so we can be empathetic.”
  • Moving to The U.S. as an 8 year old refugee from Cuba — Joe could not speak the language, so it forced him to pay close attention to the non-verbal communication from his teachers and peers.
  • The amazing focus of The Wright Brothers and how that led to their success
  • Why the FBI called Joe when he was graduating from BYU
  • “In the FBI, I was a paid observer.  I detected when something was wrong with the person right in front of me.”
  • How do we become what we are capable of?
    • “It starts today.  What are my limitations right now?  Am I observing the things I should be observing?”
    • “People are what’s most important.  We have to be better observers.”
  • “Education is a continuous process.  I still see myself as a student.”
  • “Curious people are usually exceptional.”
  • “Communication is both reflexive and fluid.”  
  • Do not be cynical or expect people to lie.  Treat everyone with a blank slate. Ask questions.  Listen.  Ask follow up questions…
    • “I never assume to have all the facts.  I want to hear what you have to say before I make a conclusion.”
  • “Our job as leaders is to ask questions, not presume we know all the answers.”
  • JFK vs Nixon debate:
    • Why did the TV viewers think JFK won while the radio listeners thought Nixon won?
      • JFK was tan, good looking, put makeup on, wore a tailored suit.  Nixon had a cold, suit didn’t fit as well, didn’t wear makeup, he didn’t look as good as JFK.
  • How we dress is important:
    • “Everything is communicating something about us.”
  • Winston Churchill — “He always rehearsed what he planned to say in a meeting.”
  • Also think, “How can I say this in the fewest number of words?”
  • Abraham Lincoln spoke for 2 minutes and 26 seconds for the Gettysburg Address.  The speaker before him spoke for 2 hours.  We remember people who can effectively be concise.
    • “Choose each word carefully.”
  • How an introvert can succeed at a networking event?
    • “It’s a performance.  Lead with curiosity.  Ask questions. Get to know one person at a time.”
  • Why joining The Learning Leader Circle is a good idea
  • Use the “Get To Know You Document

“When you ask someone for help, you’re giving them the opportunity to feel amazing.”

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Episode 234: Jocko Willink — Why Discipline Equals Freedom

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