Pick one “rule” your team follows that nobody has questioned in a while. Ask: “What if the opposite were true?” See where the conversation goes.
i2 Insights: Skill Categories
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Lead With the Reason
The next time you share a recommendation, start with “I think this because…” before stating what you think. Watch how differently people engage when they understand your reasoning first.
Sharpen Before You Ask
Before your next conversation, write down the one question you most want answered. Rewrite it twice — making it more specific each time. Ask the third version.
Cut to What Counts
Look at your current to-do list. Cross out everything that’s urgent but not important. What’s left? That’s where your attention should go.
Test Before You Build
Take the newest idea on your plate. Write down the one thing that must be true for it to work. Now design the smallest, fastest way to check whether it’s actually true.
Design the Conversation
Before your next group meeting, spend 5 minutes thinking about the structure. Who speaks first? What question opens the discussion? How will you make sure quieter voices are heard?
Let Your Idea Be Wrong
Share an early-stage idea and explicitly invite criticism. Say: “I’d love to hear what’s weak about this.” Notice how much easier it is to improve an idea when you’re not defending it.
Listen Like a Journalist
In your next one-on-one, pretend you’re interviewing the other person for a story. Focus only on understanding their experience. Don’t offer advice. Just ask follow-up questions.
Listen to Learn, Not to Win
In your next conversation, count how many times you start formulating your response while the other person is still talking. Each time you catch yourself, reset and refocus on their words.
Disagree With Curiosity
The next time someone says something you disagree with, replace “I don’t think so” with “Help me understand how you see it.” Treat their view as data, not a debate point.