Bill Shander discusses “stakeholder whispering” – the practice of uncovering what people truly need rather than simply executing their requests. Drawing parallels to horse whispering, he emphasizes using questions, empathy, and slow thinking to guide stakeholders toward identifying their real problems, ultimately creating better outcomes for everyone involved.
TAKEAWAYS
- Question before executing – Don’t just say “yes” to requests; use the Socratic method to help stakeholders discover their actual underlying needs through thoughtful questioning
- Combat fast thinking – Recognize that people (including ourselves) operate on instinct and assumptions; deliberately slow down to engage in critical thinking and investigation
- Create experiences, not just deliverables – Everything you do creates an experience for someone; focus on solving real problems rather than delivering feature lists or surface-level requests
A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST
Podcast: Transform Your Workplace, sponsored by Xenium HR Host: Brandon Laws
In Brandon’s own words: “The Transform Your Workplace podcast is your go-to source for the latest workplace trends, big ideas, and time-tested methods straight from the mouths of industry experts and respected thought-leaders.”
About Xenium HR Xenium HR is on a mission to transform workplaces by providing expert outsourced HR and payroll services for small and medium-sized businesses. With a people-first approach, Xenium helps organizations create thriving work environments where employees feel valued and supported. From navigating compliance to enhancing workplace culture, Xenium offers tailored solutions that empower growth and simplify HR. 👉 Learn more
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