The Planning Lab

Advice for the next-generation planner part 4: Heather LeFevre

From my perspective, I think mastering the art of conversation is one of the most important skills to develop. How to Talk to Anyone is a great book to help. You have to build rapport with surly creatives and clients that you may not see all that often. They will invite you into their inner circle if they trust you, find you interesting and want to talk to you. It doesn’t matter how smart you are if you haven’t got that.

Heather LeFevre is Senior International Planner at DDB Amsterdam


Comments
  1. oskar Says:

    Mycket bra idé det här. Tack Leon!

  2. Leon Says:

    Kul att du som kreatör gillar det.

  3. Nat Says:

    I agree that you have to get on with people and conversation is important. But I don’t think the ‘surly creatives’ helps anyone.
    In my experience the non-ATL (digital) creatives have NONE of this old school belligerence and frankly calling them all surly is just perpetuating the myth.
    Conversation is good but a good relationship is more important.

  4. Carl Says:

    Is it “How to Talk to Anyone About Anything!” by Jill Spiegel’s or is it “How to Talk to Anyone” by Lowndes Leil you mean?
    I really want to read this book so would apriciate if you could tell me wich one it is!
    Cheers!

  5. Heather LeFevre Says:

    It’s the one by Leil Lowndes.
    And on the surly bit – I meant the testy temper meaning rather than arrogant. Creatives are expected to deliver magic on a daily basis. They are under more immense pressure than we are. It’s our job as muse to smooth that process along.
    I can’t imagine having a good relationship with someone who didn’t enjoy our conversations. They are inextricably linked.

  6. Hidden Persuader Says:

    True Heather. Very true!

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