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

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)

What’s the Mindset Behind Golden Moments? With Jessica Ennis-Hill (and Nicola Adams)

What’s the Mindset Behind Golden Moments? With Jessica Ennis-Hill (and Nicola Adams)

Introducing Gold Minds, a brand-new podcast hosted by Olympic legend Jessica Ennis-Hill. Join Jess as she sits down with world-class performers from sport, entertainment, and beyond, exploring the hig...

28 Helmi 202520min

James Vowles: Why Williams Will “Break Everything” to Succeed in F1

James Vowles: Why Williams Will “Break Everything” to Succeed in F1

As the F1 world gears up for the next thrilling race weekend, we revisit an insightful conversation with James Vowles, former Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport Strategy Director and current Williams Te...

27 Helmi 20251h 10min

Ben Fogle: Living with Primitive Tribes and Overcoming a Mental Breakdown (E331)

Ben Fogle: Living with Primitive Tribes and Overcoming a Mental Breakdown (E331)

Ben Fogle is an adventurer, TV presenter, and author who has explored some of the most remote corners of the world. From navigating the wilderness to facing the challenges of mental health, Ben's expe...

24 Helmi 20251h 15min

Big Boys Do Cry—So Why Don’t We Talk About It?

Big Boys Do Cry—So Why Don’t We Talk About It?

Men's mental health remains a critical issue, and despite progress in raising awareness, many men still struggle to open up. In this episode, Jake and Damian explore the ongoing challenges men face in...

21 Helmi 202529min

Gary Stevenson: Surviving the Broken Economy and His Mission to Stop Rising Inequality (E330)

Gary Stevenson: Surviving the Broken Economy and His Mission to Stop Rising Inequality (E330)

Gary Stevenson is a British economist who made his name as a trader predicting the 2008 financial crash. But instead of staying in the world of high finance, he walked away to expose the deep flaws in...

20 Helmi 202557min

Alistair Brownlee: 'Pushing to Blackout' and What Made Me Retire from Triathlon (E329)

Alistair Brownlee: 'Pushing to Blackout' and What Made Me Retire from Triathlon (E329)

Alistair Brownlee is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most respected triathletes in the world. Known for his relentless work ethic and exceptional performances, Alistair’s journey in sp...

17 Helmi 202554min

Why Is Change So Hard—And How Can You Make It Stick?

Why Is Change So Hard—And How Can You Make It Stick?

Change happens to all of us, but it isn’t always easy. In this episode, Jake and Damian dive into why we struggle with change and how we can approach it differently. They explore the common pitfalls o...

14 Helmi 202523min

Red Bull Mechanic Calum Nicholas on the 'Real Max Verstappen' & Lewis Hamilton's F1 Legacy (E328)

Red Bull Mechanic Calum Nicholas on the 'Real Max Verstappen' & Lewis Hamilton's F1 Legacy (E328)

Calum Nicholas is a key figure in the world of Formula 1, working as a senior mechanic for Red Bull Racing. With years of experience in the sport, he’s been at the heart of some of the most intense mo...

13 Helmi 202552min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

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