Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast with Matt Abrahams and Alison Kluger

Introduction

Host: Matt Abrahams, teaches Strategic Communication at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB).
Guest: Alison Kluger, GSB lecturer, former TV/radio producer, and expert on digital media and reputation management.
Topic: Understanding and managing reputation.

Definition: The echo that precedes you into a room and remains after you leave.
- Positive reputation is valuable; it works for you even before you enter a room.
- Example: Preconceptions based on reputation can lead to favorable interactions.
Evidence: Feedback from others, business opportunities, direct comments, etc.

Mindset: Be aware and conscious of your actions and how they are perceived.
- Online presence should be consistent with your values.
- Be mindful of first impressions and your behavior in different contexts.
Authenticity vs. Strategy: Strive to be authentically you but be strategic when needed.
- For instance, if known for being late, take steps to change that.

Trust: Key elements include expertise, empathy, commitment, and transparency (Trust Radar).
- Example: Tylenol crisis managed with transparency and commitment, leading to positive reputation.
Warmth and Competence: Balance is crucial.
- All competence and no warmth → comes off as arrogant or dry.
- All warmth and no competence → perceived as lacking substance.
Superpower: Match warmth and competence for better executive presence and likability.

Advice: It's not what happens, but how you deal with it that defines you.
- Turn adverse moments into positive ones through your actions.

Best Communication Advice: Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Admired Communicators:
- Tyra Banks: Underestimated, vulnerable, real, shares struggles.
- Michelle Obama: Warm, real, strong, inclusive, authentic, and aware of audience.
Recipe for Successful Communication: AIM
- Audience: Know your audience and put yourself in their shoes.
- Intent: Clear purpose (e.g., entertain, inform, persuade).
- Message: Clear, succinct, strong opening and closing.

Reputation is both the echo before you enter and what lingers after you leave a room.
Build and manage it through awareness, authenticity, and strategic actions when necessary.
Balance trust, warmth, and competence for effective communication.
Final thoughts remind listeners that actions define reactions and long-term reputation.

Produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. For more episodes, visit gsb.stanford.edu or subscribe to the podcast.