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(673)

John Obi Mikel Exposes Man United Transfer Scandal & Chelsea's Dressing Room Chaos (E341)

John Obi Mikel Exposes Man United Transfer Scandal & Chelsea's Dressing Room Chaos (E341)

John Obi Mikel is a name that football fans know well. A midfield powerhouse, he built his legacy playing for Chelsea and the Nigerian national team, winning trophies and proving himself on the bigges...

7 Huhti 20251h 21min

How to Make Decisions Better

How to Make Decisions Better

Every decision we make shapes our lives, yet many of us struggle to navigate them with confidence. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the art of decision-making, uncovering the strategies that c...

4 Huhti 202529min

Bin Laden's Assassin: The Navy SEAL Who Killed The World’s Most Wanted Man | Rob O'Neill (E340)

Bin Laden's Assassin: The Navy SEAL Who Killed The World’s Most Wanted Man | Rob O'Neill (E340)

Rob O’Neill is a former Navy SEAL best known for being part of the mission that took down Osama bin Laden. With years of experience in high-stakes operations, he’s learned invaluable lessons about lea...

3 Huhti 202554min

Denise Lewis: No One Knew What I Was Going Through After the Olympics (E339)

Denise Lewis: No One Knew What I Was Going Through After the Olympics (E339)

Denise Lewis is a former Olympic heptathlete, gold medalist, and now a respected broadcaster and mentor. Known for her resilience both on and off the track, she has continued to evolve beyond her athl...

31 Maalis 20251h 4min

4 Questions You Need To Ask Yourself

4 Questions You Need To Ask Yourself

The questions we ask ourselves can shape the direction of our lives. In this episode, Jake and Damian reflect on four powerful questions that can help guide you toward a more purposeful and connected ...

28 Maalis 202526min

Dr. Sarah Berry: Exposing the Biggest Nutrition Myths You Still Believe (E338)

Dr. Sarah Berry: Exposing the Biggest Nutrition Myths You Still Believe (E338)

Dr. Sarah Berry is a leading expert in nutrition science, passionate about making healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. In this episode, Dr. Berry dives into why food should be a source of joy...

27 Maalis 20251h 3min

René Meulensteen: Ronaldo's Man Utd Coach Reveals the Secrets Behind the Sir Alex Era (E337)

René Meulensteen: Ronaldo's Man Utd Coach Reveals the Secrets Behind the Sir Alex Era (E337)

René Meulensteen is a highly respected coach best known for his time at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Having played a key role in the club’s success, he worked closely with some of the bi...

24 Maalis 20251h 28min

Remembering Eddie Jordan: His Greatest Life Lessons

Remembering Eddie Jordan: His Greatest Life Lessons

21 Maalis 202522min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
rss-hanna-tikander
psykopodiaa-podcast
tiedenaiset-podcast
rss-pitaisko-erota
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-narsisti
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
rss-pt-paahtio
terapiassa
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
meditaatiot-suomeksi
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
junnut-pelissa
docemilia
rss-rentoudu-podcast-rentoutumiseen-hanna-viljanmaa
aamukahvilla
rss-mighty-finland-podcast
rss-en-saa-unta
rss-kyykkya-ja-kuoharia