Principles Friday Newsletter
Speak Less, Achieve More: Lessons from Robert Greene
Estimated reading time (2 minutes)
Happy Friday, everyone.
Welcome to Principles Friday, where I share one principle that can help you in your life or business, one thought-provoking question, and one call to action toward that principle.
If you also like to listen to the episode, here is an audio version.
Principle of the Week
“Always Say Less than Necessary.” by Robert Greene
Robert Greene is a well-known author and speaker on power, strategy, and human behavior. However, many people don't know that his path to success was far from straightforward.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Greene moved to Los Angeles with the dream of becoming a Hollywood screenwriter. However, he quickly found himself struggling to make ends meet and turned to a series of odd jobs to support himself, including working in a detective agency and as a construction worker.
It wasn't until his late 30s that Greene finally found his calling as a writer after he was hired to research and ghostwrite a book on seduction. This experience inspired him to write his first book, "The 48 Laws of Power," which became a surprise bestseller and launched his career as a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Today, Greene is the author of several popular books on power and strategy, including "The Art of Seduction," "The 33 Strategies of War," and "Mastery." His unique perspective on human nature and the dynamics of power has made him a respected voice in the world of business and self-improvement. His journey from a struggling screenwriter to a successful author is a testament to the power of perseverance and reinvention.
Question to Ponder
How can I communicate more effectively by listening more and talking less? What strategies can you use to show that you're fully present and engaged in conversations and to ensure you truly understand what the other person is saying?
Effective communication isn't just about what you say but how well you listen in both business and life. By focusing more on what others are saying and less on what you want to say, you can build stronger relationships, gain valuable insights, and avoid misunderstandings.
Call to Action
Practice active listening in your next conversation.
To put this principle into practice, try to be more mindful and present in your next conversation. Make a conscious effort to listen more, talk less, and focus on what the other person is saying. Use active listening techniques such as nodding, paraphrasing, and asking open-ended questions to show that you're fully engaged in the conversation and interested in what the other person says.
Video of the Week
Here is a video where Robert Greene gives brilliant insight on being more attractive, respected, and having more POWER.
If you want to learn more principles, I interview founders on my podcast, The First 100, where they share how they acquired their first 100 paying customers. This week:
Episode 49 - The First 100 with Matheus Riolfi, the founder of Tint | Embedded Insurance | Warm Introduction | Sales Playbook
Episode 48 - The First 100 with Selim Benayat, the founder of Bento
And that’s a wrap for now!
Thank you for giving your attention and checking this edition out.
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