You are not alone. After a disastrous meeting with a highly successful entrepreneur, who was genuinely convinced he was ‘surrounded by idiots’, communication expert and bestselling author, Thomas Erikson dedicated himself to understanding how people function and why we often struggle to connect with certain types of people. Surrounded by Idiots is an international phenomenon, selling over 1.5 million copies worldwide. It offers a simple, yet ground-breaking method for assessing the personalities of people we communicate with – in and out of the office – based on four personality types (Red, Blue, Green and Yellow), and provides insights into how we can adjust the way we speak and share information. Erikson will help you understand yourself better, hone communication and social skills, handle conflict with confidence, improve dynamics with your boss and team, and get the best out of the people you deal with and manage. He also shares simple tricks on body language, improving written communication, advice on when to back away or when to push on, and when to speak up or shut up. Packed with ‘aha!’ and ‘oh no!’ moments, Surrounded by Idiots will help you understand and communicate with those around you, even people you currently think are beyond all comprehension. Credit: Surrounded By Idiots.
Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg blends deep research and his trademark storytelling skills to show how we can all learn to identify and leverage the hidden layers that lurk beneath every conversation. Communication is a superpower and the best communicators understand that whenever we speak, we’re actually participating in one of three conversations: practical (What’s this really about?), emotional (How do we feel?), and social (Who are we?). If you don’t know what kind of conversation you’re having, you’re unlikely to connect. Supercommunicators know the importance of recognizing—and then matching—each kind of conversation, and how to hear the complex emotions, subtle negotiations, and deeply held beliefs that color so much of what we say and how we listen. Our experiences, our values, our emotional lives—and how we see ourselves, and others—shape every discussion, from who will pick up the kids to how we want to be treated at work. In this book, you will learn why some people are able to make themselves heard, and to hear others, so clearly. Credit: Penguin Random House; Charles Duhigg.
Meet Damon! Multifaceted, passionate, and skilled all describe Damon “DaRil” Nailer. With over 1 million views on the popular advice site Quora, 1K speaking engagements, and many published works under his belt, Damon is known as a “Renaissance Man”, “Inspirational Communicator” and “Gift Guru”, who provides direction, inspiration, and education to any audience. Mr. Nailer is the owner of Kitril Consultancy, where he serves as an author, speaker, content creator, and consultant, specializing in personal development, communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and parenting. As a result of his experience and expertise, he has been featured 200+ times in various media outlets, including The Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Thrive Global, Goalcast, MSN, Yahoo, Yahoo Finance, Redbook, Insider, podcasts, radio/TV shows, magazines, newspapers, etc. Credit: Damon Nailer.
Elzie, Welcome! As THE MAYOR of Podcast Town, what events introduced you to the world of podcasting?
I started an internet radio station because I wanted to create a platform for people to learn business 24/7 365. As a part of my research for the station, I ran into a podcast and fell in love with the medium. I then shut down the station and focused on my podcast.
Have you always been a personality open to entertaining and educating audiences throughout your life?
Pretty much. I have been a singer/songwriter since I was a little boy. Over the years I’ve added speaking and podcasting to my tool box.
As an entrepreneur wearing several hats, what has life experience taught you about knowing when to delegate certain responsibilities and when to honor these obligations yourself? How do you trust the universe that your ideas will unfold in a smooth manner?
I’ve learned that time-blocking and mapping out tasks strategically helps tremendously when it comes to understanding what tasks can be delegated and which tasks I should perform myself. Writing procedures is important as well. Having something to hand someone that walks them through the process is a huge value add to the business.
I have learned to concern myself with things I can control and not the things I can’t control. Everything happens for me not to me.
You serve as a guide to many entrepreneurs wanting to communicate their unique message before audiences. What are the common misconceptions people host about the podcasting space?
That it’s a quick fix and that it’s easy. It may be simple but it’s definitely not easy. Especially standing out and being strategic about how you podcast whether you’re guesting or hosting.
What have you learned about the art of communication thus far? Are there any sources in your life that have refined your methods of communicating with the world?
I’ve learned that people tend to complicate something that is actually quite simple. Listen to understand, be authentically interested and be clear in your communication. Admire others but be true to who you are, your voice.
Elzie, you're a storyteller yourself. What is the first story you recall listening to as a child and what impact did it have on you?
I’ve always appreciated the art of storytelling via music and I remember hearing “Brenda’s Got a Baby” by Tupac and being completely taken in by the story. The issues he covered are often not talked about. Empathy and care for our fellow human beings is critical for the success of the human family.
If you had to leave the world with one story with a powerful message, what would it be?
You’re born, you live, you die. Live well!
As a family man, what have you learned from Mr. Elzie Flenard I and Mr. Elzie Flenard II about family and living a wholesome life?
My Mom and Dad divorced when I was about 6 and we moved out of town so I didn’t grow up with either of the Elzie’s. I took pieces of people I admired and created the person I felt would make my children proud and do my best to be a better husband and father each day. I am also a man of faith so I draw from the principles of the Bible as a guide to living.
Creativity is nurtured in unique ways. Are there any special rituals you entertain to welcome the flow of inspiration in your mind, heart and soul?
Prayer and reflection. Prayer connects me to God and keeps me centered. I’m a thinker. I love to take time to do nothing but think.
Entrepreneurs grow alongside their businesses through different seasons. What lessons did Enterprise Now teach you about connecting with people and relationship management?
It taught me how to add value and connect people with no expectation of anything in return. Taking the farmer approach vs the hunter mentality has done well for me and my business and podcast. Even though the podcast has retired, people still listen and get value from the conversations.
What is the best entrepreneurial decision that you've made that keeps paying itself forward?
Networking and building relationships.
What is one painful entrepreneurial lesson you learned early on in your career? How does that lesson play a role in how you work and live your life today?
Failure is a part of the journey. I used to allow failure to affect my confidence and my ability to try new ideas. Understanding the failure principle has allowed me to fail faster and learn from them in order to build success.
What are the latest projects that you're working on?
Podcast Town is my new company and brand. We are also launching a new podcast in 2021 as well I host a podcaster community that offers networking to podcasters.
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