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(667)

Zak Brown: The Deal That Kept McLaren Alive and How I Rebuilt the Team (E379)

Zak Brown: The Deal That Kept McLaren Alive and How I Rebuilt the Team (E379)

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown returns to High Performance to reveal the truth behind McLaren’s remarkable comeback, from financial crisis and public doubt to rebuilding one of Formula One’s most iconic...

17 Marras 20251h

Joe Marler: His Story of Rage, Regret and Redemption

Joe Marler: His Story of Rage, Regret and Redemption

​​England and Harlequins rugby legend Joe Marler opens up like never before, about the moment in 2018 when he hit breaking point, walked out on his family, and believed the world would be better off w...

14 Marras 202550min

The SAS Mindset: Keep Going When Everyone Else Stops | Billy Billingham

The SAS Mindset: Keep Going When Everyone Else Stops | Billy Billingham

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qThere’s a difference between being tough and being strong, an...

12 Marras 202529min

Joe Cole: Inside Chelsea’s Ruthless Era - Abramovich, Mourinho & Mind Games (E378)

Joe Cole: Inside Chelsea’s Ruthless Era - Abramovich, Mourinho & Mind Games (E378)

Former England and Premier League star Joe Cole opens up about the lessons learned beyond the pitch, honesty, resilience, and what it truly means to live a high performance life.He reflects on the pow...

10 Marras 20251h 20min

How To Handle Doubters & Stop Self-Sabotage | Questions You DM Us

How To Handle Doubters & Stop Self-Sabotage | Questions You DM Us

In this episode, Jake and Damian turn the spotlight on you, answering the questions that listeners have been sending in from around the world. From overcoming self-sabotage to dealing with doubt, they...

7 Marras 202518min

The Man Behind the All Blacks Mentality: Gilbert Enoka on Building Character & Connection

The Man Behind the All Blacks Mentality: Gilbert Enoka on Building Character & Connection

Pre-order our brand new book Micro-Habits and use code MICROHABITS26 for 25% off before the launch on 1st January. https://hppod.co/472Og7qIn this profound conversation, Gilbert Enoka, the legendary m...

5 Marras 202547min

Mika Häkkinen: When F1 Was Fearless - Beating Schumacher & The Crash That Changed Everything (E377)

Mika Häkkinen: When F1 Was Fearless - Beating Schumacher & The Crash That Changed Everything (E377)

Two-time Formula One World Champion Mika Häkkinen reflects on the mindset, discipline, and calmness that defined his legendary career, and his unforgettable rivalry with Michael Schumacher.He opens up...

3 Marras 20251h 37min

World Leading Psychologist: The 19 Words That Change How You Handle Criticism | Adam Grant

World Leading Psychologist: The 19 Words That Change How You Handle Criticism | Adam Grant

What does high performance really demand from the human mind? In this conversation, world-leading organisational psychologist Adam Grant explores how the best performers think, learn, and lead.Adam un...

31 Loka 202531min

Suosittua kategoriassa Terveys ja hyvinvointi

unicast
tiedenaiset-podcast
rss-pitaisko-erota
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
selvin-pain
vakeva-elama-viisaampi-mieli-vahvempi-keho
paaasia-podcast
meditaatiot-suomeksi
junnut-pelissa
selviytyjat-tarinoita-elamasta
fitnessvastaanotto
rss-narsisti
fitnesskulmapodcast
rss-lihavuudesta-podcast
terapiassa
rss-uplevel-by-sonja-hannus
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
rss-duodecim-lehti
kehorauhaa