34: Why Slowing Down Will Actually Speed You Up

read time  3.2 minutes

Welcome to the With Intention weekly newsletter where I share ideas & learnings to help you live & lead with intention

At a glance:

• Essay: Why slowing down will actually speed you up
• Quote: The art of communication
• Visual: A fulfilling life is built on relationships

Why slowing down will actually speed you up 

Happy Saturday!

As we navigate through our busy lives, the temptation to hurry through every conversation and meeting can be overwhelming. But what if I told you that the secret to better leadership and stronger relationships lies in doing just the opposite?

My Turn:

The best leaders I know aren’t in a hurry. They understand the power of presence—being truly engaged in every conversation. Early in my career, I learned a valuable lesson from a mentor, Chet Scott, which has been a game changer for how I interact with others. He taught me the power of two simple words: "Tell me more."

When someone shares something with you, responding with "Tell me more" does a few things:

1. It shows genuine interest in what the other person is saying, making them feel valued and heard.
2. It encourages a deeper conversation, often leading to insights and understandings that hurried interactions miss.
3. It builds trust, laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient relationships.

This approach has not only improved my personal interactions but has also had a profound impact on my professional engagements. By allowing conversations to breathe, I’ve discovered motivations, concerns, and ideas that would have remained hidden in a more rushed interaction.

Turning Insights into Actions:

Incorporating this simple yet powerful phrase into my daily interactions has led to richer, more meaningful dialogues. Here are a few strategies I use to ensure I’m fully present:

• Active Listening: Focus fully on the person speaking. This means putting away distractions and tuning in with all senses.
• Patience: Allow the conversation to unfold at its own pace. Don’t rush to fill silences; these moments often encourage others to share more.
• Empathy: Try to understand the emotions and motivations behind words. This can deepen your connection and enhance mutual understanding.

Your Turn:

Now, I invite you to try this out in your own life. This week, take the time to slow down in your conversations. Use "Tell me more" at least three times in different interactions. Observe how it changes the dynamic of the conversation and what new insights emerge.

Here’s how you can structure this experiment:

1. Set a Goal: Aim to have deeper conversations at work or at home.
2. Implement the Strategy: Use "Tell me more" in various discussions.
3. Reflect: At the end of each day, note down how using this phrase has affected your interactions. Did you learn something new? Did it change the outcome of the discussion?

I’d love to hear how it goes: Pop me a text (614.264.7528) or drop me an email ([email protected]) if you give this a try!

I look forward to hearing your stories of deeper connections and enlightened moments!

All the best,

Jon

P.S. Stay on the lookout for some fun reels I'll be posting soon, primarily on Instagram (follow here). I had a chance to spend a few hours with my guys Brayden & Ashton at The Social + shooting some content this past week. Was super fun and I can't wait to share!

P.S.S. This cat wants to hang : )

Have a blessed weekend!

Jon Giganti Author. Speaker. Leader.

Attention requires a focused head.
Intention requires a focused heart.

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