When They Share Good News, Dig In
Respond to good news with interest and questions, not a quick well done or a story of your own.
The findings come from diary and couples studies by one research group and its colleagues; they fit everyday experience but have not been tested in business conversations.
Why it works
Asking about their good news lets them enjoy it again and links that feeling to you. A flat reply wastes the moment.
How to do it
- Show you are pleased with your face and voice.
- Ask how it happened.
- Ask what comes next.
- Leave your own story out for now.
What to say
That is big news. How did you win it?
Congratulations. What does that mean for the team?
Avoid
Saying nice, then turning to your own topic. Or warning them of risks right away.
Example
A Rajkot groundnut exporter mentioned a new contract in Vietnam. Devendra asked how they won it and what came next. The exporter then mentioned he needed an export manager.
Practise it
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