Shy by Design by Michael Thomson offers 12 principles to cultivate calmness and self-assurance in a chaotic world, emphasizing listening skills, building relationships, and embracing boldness.
Main Lessons
- Listen actively: Improve your speaking by becoming a better listener. Use the Five Conversational Personalities to enhance your conversational skills.
- Create comfortable conversations: Set the right environment by considering things like seating and atmosphere.
- Maintain consistent contact: Use different types of messages to stay in touch and strengthen connections.
- Practice kindness: Small acts of kindness are powerful in building lasting relationships.
- Embrace boldness: Use a boldness list to remind yourself of past courageous acts.
- Apply the AAA Framework: Acknowledge feelings, accept the situation, and ask what is needed to move forward.
- Lead by example: Try to be a person who makes an effort, even if things don’t always go right initially.
- Reflect on fears: Understand that fears are often aligned with what we care about deeply.
- Stay curious: Engage with others by asking specific questions to further conversations.
- Repeat to resonate: Restate what you’ve heard to ensure clarity and connection.
- Be mindful: Focus on being present to positively impact exchanges.
- Inspire through interaction: Share recommendations or ideas that could benefit others.
- Courage in vulnerability: Acknowledge moments of fear as opportunities for growth.
- Remember growth: Every challenge faced is an opportunity to expand your comfort zone.
