How Asking One Hard Question Builds Deeper Trust, with Alain de Botton
The High Performance Podcast4 Kesä 2025

How Asking One Hard Question Builds Deeper Trust, with Alain de Botton

This new Essential Habits series breaks down the key habits behind high performance, one episode at a time. This week’s habit is deceptively simple: asking better questions.


Philosopher Alain de Botton joins us to explore how a single, uncomfortable question, “How have I annoyed you?” can deepen trust, defuse tension, and create stronger connections in every part of life.


Whether it’s at home, at work, or with close friends, we often avoid the conversations that would help us grow. Alain shows us a different way, one built on emotional generosity, honest listening, and the courage to be vulnerable.


In this episode, we explore:


  • Why awkward questions build trust
  • How to listen without getting defensive
  • The science behind emotional connection
  • What high-performing teams can learn from philosophy
  • The hidden power of backstories and being 'truly heard'


Here is a list of studies referenced in the episode:


  1. The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness. Arthur Aron, Elaine Aron (1997)
  2. Understanding the conversation gap: Why employees aren’t talking, and what we can do about it (Braverly), referenced in How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees. Harvard Negotiation Project
  3. Rejection Really Hurts, published in Science (Oct 2003). University Of California - Los Angeles
  4. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown


Listen to the full episode with Alain De Botton here: https://pod.fo/e/1f5db0


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(669)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: My Story on Being Misunderstood, Judged, But Resilient (E355)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: My Story on Being Misunderstood, Judged, But Resilient (E355)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a Premier League striker known for his athleticism, drive, and key role at Everton FC. But beyond the goals and headlines, he’s also faced a tough road of injuries, personal s...

9 Kesä 20251h 20min

Chris Voss: The FBI’s #1 Negotiator on Winning Without Saying a Word

Chris Voss: The FBI’s #1 Negotiator on Winning Without Saying a Word

In this episode, we revisit a powerful conversation with Chris Voss, former FBI lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of Never Split the Difference.In this insightful discussion with Jake and...

6 Kesä 202556min

John Legend: Beyond the Headlines of Miscarriage, Kanye West Fallout & the Hidden Cost of Stardom (E354)

John Legend: Beyond the Headlines of Miscarriage, Kanye West Fallout & the Hidden Cost of Stardom (E354)

John Legend is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for his soulful voice, emotional depth, and ability to cross genres with ease. With multiple Grammy Awards, an EGOT to his name, and a career th...

2 Kesä 20251h 6min

The Voice in Your Head Can Make or Break You

The Voice in Your Head Can Make or Break You

The voice in your head can either push you forward or hold you back.In this episode, Jake and Damian delve into the powerful impact of self-talk on performance, mindset, and emotional well-being. They...

30 Touko 202529min

How Sharing Good News Changes Everything, with James Timpson

How Sharing Good News Changes Everything, with James Timpson

Sometimes, the most radical thing a leader can do is trust. That’s what struck me in my conversation with James Timpson, not just the results he’s achieved, but the mindset behind them. James runs a b...

28 Touko 202535min

Callum Wilson: Opening Up About His Haunted Past and the Battles You Didn’t See (E353)

Callum Wilson: Opening Up About His Haunted Past and the Battles You Didn’t See (E353)

Callum Wilson is a Premier League striker known for his sharp finishing and explosive pace on the pitch; but off it, he has an equally powerful story. Warning: this episode contains themes of suicide ...

26 Touko 20251h 9min

Essential Habits You Can Use Everyday

Essential Habits You Can Use Everyday

Today Jake and Damian break down why your habits matter more than you think. Did you know 43% of what you do each day is habit, not conscious choice?That means nearly half your day is lived on autopil...

23 Touko 202516min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
tiedenaiset-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
psykopodiaa-podcast
rss-pitaisko-erota
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
rss-pt-paahtio
meditaatiot-suomeksi
paaasia-podcast
rss-hanna-tikander
rss-narsisti
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
terapiassa
paritellen
rss-mighty-finland-podcast
katilon-kahvitunti
junnut-pelissa
rss-sanelunpurku-podcast
rss-terapiaklubi
rss-en-saa-unta