Power Talk: A storm drain’s stamp of approval

Ambassador Yossi Gal walked into the coffee shop, smiled when he saw me, and ordered his cappuccino. During our one-hour delightful breakfast meeting I asked him, “In all of your various posts as Israel’s Ambassador to France, Monaco, Washington D.C., and the Netherlands – what are the three most important factors for power conversations?”

Crucial factors for communicating

A bit of context. Currently Ambassador Gal is Hebrew University’s VP for Advancement and External Relations. Hebrew University, co-founded by Albert Einstein, houses the Einstein Archives; and he had an interest in meeting one of Einstein’s relatives… me.

Ambassador Gal answered, “In all of my years of involvement with international relationships I see five crucial factors for effectively communicating and negotiating with others: Education, Education, Education, Curiosity, and Respect.”

1. Education
2. Education
3. Education
4. Curiosity
5. Respect

For your next Power Conversation

When you lead your organization, meet with new buyers, negotiate terms on a potential acquisition, or raise funds for your private equity firm; embrace Ambassador Gal’s negotiation/communication must haves.

• Come educated (prepared)
• Be curious (ask questions)
• Have respect (listen for understanding)

© 2024 Karen Cortell Reisman, All rights reserved.

Photo taken by Karen Cortell Reisman while walking down the street near her high rise.