Interesting and wonderful advice. And transferrable to many things.
I was a newspaper editor. Currently I'm serving as Managing Editor of a web news organization 3,000 miles away. A great bunch -- they won the Pulitzer last year -- but they're young. I've been spending time with them offering them ideas, and helping them developing strategies for building sources, getting to know more people in their communities -- topical or geographical.
My basic message to them is CONVERSE with them. Don't go in and ask a bunch of questions that you want answered, get to know them, reveal something of yourself, help them get to know you, build trust. And you do that by listening, but engaging them in conversation, in encouraging them -- with gentle questioning -- to talk about themselves.
And be warm and welcoming. Just like you were told.
I absolutely love this perspective, and I couldn’t agree more. The best conversations—whether in journalism, leadership, or everyday interactions—aren’t about extracting answers from people but about building trust and connection through genuine dialogue.
Your advice to young journalists mirrors what I often encourage in leadership sessions and consulting: engage, reveal, and reciprocate. People open up when they feel heard, valued, and understood. And as you pointed out, that happens through warmth, curiosity, and conversation, not just questioning.
Thank you for sharing this! It’s a powerful reminder that great storytelling, leadership, and relationships all begin in the same place: authentic connection.
Interesting and wonderful advice. And transferrable to many things.
I was a newspaper editor. Currently I'm serving as Managing Editor of a web news organization 3,000 miles away. A great bunch -- they won the Pulitzer last year -- but they're young. I've been spending time with them offering them ideas, and helping them developing strategies for building sources, getting to know more people in their communities -- topical or geographical.
My basic message to them is CONVERSE with them. Don't go in and ask a bunch of questions that you want answered, get to know them, reveal something of yourself, help them get to know you, build trust. And you do that by listening, but engaging them in conversation, in encouraging them -- with gentle questioning -- to talk about themselves.
And be warm and welcoming. Just like you were told.
Thanks for this.
Geoffrey,
I absolutely love this perspective, and I couldn’t agree more. The best conversations—whether in journalism, leadership, or everyday interactions—aren’t about extracting answers from people but about building trust and connection through genuine dialogue.
Your advice to young journalists mirrors what I often encourage in leadership sessions and consulting: engage, reveal, and reciprocate. People open up when they feel heard, valued, and understood. And as you pointed out, that happens through warmth, curiosity, and conversation, not just questioning.
Thank you for sharing this! It’s a powerful reminder that great storytelling, leadership, and relationships all begin in the same place: authentic connection.
Warmly, Susan