You know how sometimes after reading someone’s book you get super excited — about not only their material, but also about them as a human being — and you start to idolize them a little bit?

That’s what happened to me when I read To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others by Daniel Pink.

One morning as I was reading, I got the idea that I would LOVE to interview Dan Pink (side note: he calls himself both Dan and Daniel in various places, so I use both too). This felt like a pie in the sky kind of idea, sort of akin to interviewing the Queen of England or Oprah.

You know how sometimes we forget that other humans are simply that: human?

As soon as I’d had the thought that I’d like to interview Dan, the next one that immediately followed was, “Oh, that won’t happen. He’s out of my league.”

But, I figured, what the heck?! I might as well try.

My friend Chris Brogan was kind enough to make an intro to Dan. Dan said yes to the interview and I was immediately thrilled and totally nervous.

This interview was the first one I’d done where I didn’t already know my guest really well or at least have some relatively intimate frame of reference for them (close friends of friends, etc.).

I took extensive notes on Dan’s book and prepared all of my questions ahead of time, which I’ve never done before. I had butterflies in my stomach driving up to his house for the interview.

(Luckily, Mike and Danielle LaPorte were with me for camera operation and moral support. Note to self: when doing something that feels like a stretch, bring a posse.)

When we got there, Dan was in stocking feet. He was warm, quirky, smart as a whip, and really fun.

From the moment the camera started rolling, I was completely swept up in the great conversation. I didn’t look at my list of questions once.

Here’s what I learned by interviewing Daniel Pink:

When you’re present, you forget to be nervous. (Tweet it.)

I watched this interview last night as I was editing and I couldn’t help but smile really big at the end because, if I do say so myself, it’s damn good.

Here’s what we covered:

• Dan’s secret weapon when it comes to his writing process
• why I always read the acknowledgements first when I get a book
• how to give criticism in a loving, caring way
• why procrastination sometimes leads to our best work
• why affirmations aren’t as powerful as questions
• how to use Interrogative Self-Talk to your advantage when pumping yourself up to do something you’re scared of
• the future of the educational system
• the nature of complacency and boredom, and how to avoid both

You won’t want to miss this episode of Glimpse TV. It’s rich, it’s fun, and the conversation is really, really, really good. (I know it’s not that humble to say so, but it’s true so I’m sayin’ it anyway.)

The episode also has more tweetables than any previous Glimpse TV episode, so be sure you check below the video to spread the word with Dan’s wise quips.

Click below to watch Dan Pink on Glimpse TV!

Tweetables from this episode:

Direct feedback is an act of love and care. ~@DanielPink I want to get hit hard by someone who cares deeply as a way to avoid getting hit by people who don’t care. ~@DanielPink Always extrapolate from your own experience. You’re not that special. ~@DanielPink

 

Click HERE to get To Sell Is Human.

Find out more about Daniel Pink and connect with him here: www.danpink.com

 

Over to you:

How do you endeavor to give and receive criticism with love and care?

What do you think about the future of our educational system?

How do you feel about the word “complacency”?

I’d love to hear from you!