Passion Struck with John R. Miles Episode 617: Andrew Brodsky on How to Be Seen Without Being Always Available
Release Date: May 29, 2025
In Episode 617 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles welcomes Dr. Andrew Brodsky, a Harvard Business School scholar and author of the insightful book Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. This episode delves deep into the intricacies of virtual communication, offering listeners transformative strategies to enhance their interactions in an increasingly digital world.
Guest Introduction and Background
Dr. Andrew Brodsky shares a compelling personal story that shaped his professional focus. At 16, diagnosed with leukemia, he underwent intensive treatments that necessitated prolonged isolation. This experience ignited his interest in how individuals interact through communication technology, especially under constrained circumstances. As Dr. Brodsky explains:
"When I began my PhD at Harvard Business School, I focused on how we interact with each other through communication technology... and when Covid hit, I was well-positioned to study virtual interactions."
(06:26)
The Science of Virtual Communication
Dr. Brodsky emphasizes the critical need to pause and question communication assumptions rather than defaulting to habitual methods. He asserts:
"We often end up in suboptimal choices of communication medium by just going with the flow."
(53:00)
Choosing the Right Medium
A primary discussion revolves around selecting the appropriate communication medium to foster authenticity and effectiveness. Dr. Brodsky highlights that:
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Rich Communication Modes: Video calls and phone conversations can enhance engagement and authenticity compared to emails, which often feel impersonal and inauthentic.
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Service Acting: In scenarios where genuine emotions might not align with the situation, such as congratulating a friend while personally distraught, audio interactions like phone calls can better mask these discrepancies compared to video or email.
"If you are truly being authentic, it's best to use the richest mode available... but audio interactions like telephone can serve well when you're not entirely authentic."
(08:57)
The PING Framework for Virtual Communication
Dr. Brodsky introduces the PING framework from his book, a structured approach to ensure virtual communications are both efficient and impactful:
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Perspective Taking (P)
Understanding and considering the other party's viewpoint to reduce misinterpretations.
"Virtual communication often leads to being more self-focused, but perspective taking helps mitigate misunderstandings."
(15:41) -
Initiative (I)
Proactively adding elements missing in virtual interactions, such as incorporating small talk or switching communication modes to better suit the situation.
"Taking the initiative to add back what's missing can enhance the effectiveness of virtual communication."
(15:41) -
Nonverbal (N)
Being mindful of nonverbal cues, even in virtual settings, like using emojis appropriately or managing facial expressions during video calls.
"Nonverbal behaviors like emojis or typos can significantly influence how messages are perceived."
(15:41) -
Goals (G)
Aligning the communication method with the intended outcome, whether it's building a relationship or achieving a specific task.
"Depending on your goal, a different mode may be better than another."
(15:41)
Enhancing Productivity Through Communication Chunking
Addressing the epidemic of multitasking and communication overload, Dr. Brodsky introduces the concept of communication chunking—allocating specific times during the day for emails and messages to minimize disruptions and restore focus.
"Choose about three times a day to engage in communication to avoid constant interruptions and improve productivity."
(27:49)
He explains that this method not only aids in maintaining focus but also serves as mental breaks, enhancing overall well-being.
Standing Out in a Virtual Workspace
In a landscape where virtual interactions are the norm, Dr. Brodsky offers strategies to stand out and foster meaningful connections:
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Nonverbal Precision: Ensuring eye contact during video calls by adjusting camera settings to avoid appearing distracted.
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Frequency Over Length: Preferring multiple short interactions over occasional long ones to demonstrate engagement and presence.
"Frequency is more impactful than the length of communication when it comes to creating and maintaining strong relationships."
(32:56)
Building Bridges and Preventing Miscommunication
Using real-world examples like the Hawaii missile alert disaster, Dr. Brodsky underscores the importance of ensuring clarity and emotional accuracy in virtual communications. He suggests:
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Tone Awareness: Reading messages in both serious and sarcastic tones before sending to gauge potential misinterpretations.
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Explicit Communication: Being clear and direct to avoid the "negativity amplification" often inherent in text-based interactions.
"People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. Prevent unintended emotional consequences by being explicit and thoughtful."
(40:06)
Cultivating a Positive Communication Culture in Organizations
Dr. Brodsky advises companies to incentivize better communication habits through:
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Modeling Desired Behaviors: Leaders should exemplify effective communication to set the standard.
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Explicit Communication Norms: Establishing clear guidelines on response times and preferred communication methods to reduce stress and enhance trust.
"Leaders who over communicate are rated significantly better than those who under communicate."
(39:27)
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Communication
Addressing concerns about AI potentially rendering human communication redundant, Dr. Brodsky argues that the human element remains irreplaceable. He cautions against overreliance on AI for personal interactions, emphasizing the importance of genuine human presence and understanding.
"There will always be value in the human component of communication... AI cannot fully replicate perspective taking, nonverbal interpretation, or personal goal alignment."
(52:13)
Key Takeaways
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Intentional Communication: Move beyond habitual communication methods by thoughtfully selecting the appropriate medium for each interaction.
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PING Framework: Utilize Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal cues, and Goals to enhance virtual communications.
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Communication Chunking: Allocate specific times for managing messages to maintain focus and reduce stress.
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Frequency Over Length: Engage in regular, shorter interactions to demonstrate presence and build stronger relationships.
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Clarity and Explicitness: Prevent miscommunications by being clear, direct, and considerate of how messages might be interpreted.
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Human Touch: Despite technological advancements, prioritize genuine human interactions to maintain trust and connection.
Conclusion
Dr. Andrew Brodsky's insights provide a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the complexities of virtual communication. By embracing intentionality and strategic approaches, individuals and organizations can foster meaningful connections, enhance productivity, and create environments where everyone feels they matter.
For those interested in exploring these concepts further, Dr. Brodsky's book Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication is available through major book retailers. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter for more updates and insights.
Reflective Questions for Listeners:
- Am I communicating clearly or just sending information into the void?
- Where in my life or work could a more intentional virtual presence change the outcome?
- Am I making space for connection or just checking boxes in my interactions?
If this episode resonated with you, consider leaving a 5-star rating and review on your favorite podcast platform to support the movement of intentional living and transformational communication.
Stay tuned for the next episode as Passion Struck launches a new series on the Art of Connection, featuring Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of mindfulness in the West.