What if your success didn't just depend on what you do—but on how you work with people? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to uncover how the quality of our working relationships is the true game-changer in business. Whether you're trying to repair a tricky client dynamic or elevate a good one into something exceptional, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and one incredibly simple but powerful tool: the Keystone Conversation.
We dive deep into how to create a Best Possible Relationship (BPR)—and why safe, vital, and repairable relationships are the secret sauce for long-term client retention, team morale, and professional fulfillment. Michael shares the five questions you can ask to build stronger foundations with clients (and colleagues), plus how to model bravery, curiosity, and generosity in ways that truly set you apart. If you've ever wondered how to bring more intentionality and impact into the way you collaborate, this is the episode to hit play on.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
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How one simple mindset shift can change the way you lead every client call
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Why safety is essential—but not enough—for meaningful collaboration
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The three hidden traits that define every Best Possible Relationship
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How to become "easy to work with" in a way that builds unshakable trust
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What a Keystone Conversation is—and why it's your secret client-retention weapon
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Five powerful questions that unlock better communication and mutual respect
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What to do when a relationship goes sideways—and how to repair it with confidence
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Why modeling curiosity (instead of advice-giving) is a powerful differentiator
If this conversation sparked something in you, now's the time to take action. Think of one relationship that could use a reset—or a boost—and try just one of the questions Michael shared today. You'll be amazed at what opens up. And if you want the full roadmap, grab a copy of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone and visit bestpossiblerelationship.com for bonus resources, free downloads, and a video example of the Keystone Conversation in action. Let's start working better—one conversation at a time.
Resources Mentioned:
Order your copy of Give to Grow
Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow
Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!
How to Work with Almost Anyone
Best Possible Relationship Toolkit
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