E 246 - Reading The Room

Have you ever been in a meeting where something felt off, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it, and everyone else seemed to ignore it too? Or watched a leader completely miss the signs of their team's growing anxiety?

In this episode of The Manager Track podcast, Ramona Shaw dives into the often-discussed but rarely explained skill of "reading the room" - breaking down what it really means and how to get better at it.

Through real examples, from Google's layoff announcement to BP's oil spill crisis response, Ramona illustrates how even seasoned leaders can miss crucial social cues and context, leading to damaged relationships and eroded trust. She shares a practical framework for becoming more aware of what's happening beneath the surface in any social setting, whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating a difficult conversation.

Key topics include:

- Understanding the hidden layers in conversations - authority, bias, context, culture, and mood
- Picking up on changes in body language and engagement without overanalyzing
- Getting out of your own head to truly tune into others

If you've ever wondered why some leaders seem to navigate social situations effortlessly while others stumble, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you develop this essential EQ skill.

— RESOURCES MENTIONED —

— OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE —

- Episode 183 Creating Effective, Engaging, and Enjoyable Meetings - Interview with Mamie Kanfer Stewart

— WHAT’S NEXT? —

* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

[brainfreshtoday]

So true, this is hard and so important to "read the room". Thanks for helping us with practical strategies.