The Not So Breakfast Show
Listen, laugh and learn as we share our latest thoughts about staying relevant, contemporary leadership and doing life right. Ish Cheyne is the Head of Fitness in New Zealand for global fitness juggernaut Les Mills. Sacha Coburn is the COO of Coffee Culture, a leading group of boutique coffee shops, and the co-founder of The Company You Keep.co.nz.
The Not So Breakfast Show
MWM Episode 238: Check the Question Before You Answer
MID WEEK MINI: Check the Question Before You Answer
Ever start talking and hope your brain catches up with your mouth? Yeah, we've all been there. Join Ish and Sacha as they share the power of the pause and the phrases that help you actually answer the question being asked (not the one you think you heard).
Key Phrases to Have Ready:
- "Before I answer, let me check - are you primarily interested in X or Y?"
- "Can I ask you to clarify?"
- "Help me understand, are we talking about this... or is it more than that?"
- "Just so we're all on the same page, can I summarise what we've covered..."
The Process:
- Take a moment - don't answer straight away
- Breathe in, fill your brain with oxygen (actually helpful!)
- Use a clarifying phrase to buy time and ensure understanding
- Check if everyone in the room is having the same conversation
The Payoff: Helps meetings be more effective, go faster, and reduces waffle and noise. When you answer the actual question asked, everyone wins.