Conversation sharpens the saw

One of the reasons that people often give for not taking a more conversational approach to their work is the lack of time. Many even see it as a waste of time. But its through conversation that we learn, make better sense of the world, glean insights, spot new opportunities and avoid pitfalls. The time invested in a conversation almost always has a payback and saves time in the longer term.

Ponder what these 3 great men have to say :-)

The leader is the one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, 'Wrong jungle!' ...

Busy, efficient producers and managers often respond ... 'Shut up! We're making progress!'

Credit: Stephen Covey

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

Credit: Abraham Lincoln

If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.

Credit: Albert Einstein

Personally, I would use much of that 55 mins to have conversations to determine the proper question to ask and then time to disscuss the question with other people.

As Stephen Covey would say we need to sharpen the saw..

Conversation is rarely a waste of time - "conversation sharpens the saw".