Overcoming Fake Talk: How to Hold REAL Conversations that Create Respect, Build Relationships, and Get Results

CHAPTER 2

Why Can’t You See What’s Happening?

The Awareness Principle—Choose to Be Conscious

When I first started working as a river guide in the Grand Canyon, I had to learn to “read” the river. Ripples on the surface, rolling waves, and frothing foam are all reflections of what lies beneath the river’s surface. For example, smooth, dark green water indicates that the river is deep and probably has a sandy bottom; whereas, foaming waves tell you the water is shallow with rocks not far below. When you’re running a rapid, being aware of what lies beneath the surface is crucial to continuing your trip without mishap. In conversation, the same is true: what you see on the surface can tell you a lot about what is going on underneath. And what is ...