Culture Crush was a series of live events, podcast episodes, and newsletters. The newsletter have been archieved here as part of The Unremarkable Entrepreneur’s back catalogue.
I won’t keep you long, as we all have a billion things to do before the season kicks in!
Before I sign off, I wanted to put the Three Question Rule on your radar, because it might just help you reflect and respond this season instead of reacting and regretting.
Here’s the thing: families often don’t agree, so for many people, heading home can feel full of risk and tension.
For episode 60 of Culture Crush, I had the chance to sit down with Justin Bariso, Founder & Principal at EQ Applied, who introduced me to the Three Question Rule:
Does this need to be said?
Does this need to be said by me?
Does this need to be said by me now?
The answer to all three might be a resounding YES. I’m not suggesting that you don’t speak up for what you believe. But I am suggesting that you take a beat before you speak to really consider your options.
By pausing to ask these questions, you give yourself the chance to assess the situation more thoughtfully, which can lead to more constructive interactions and more peaceful emotional entanglements.
It also gives you a moment to ask yourself: do I need to be right, right now?
Being right is a powerful feeling. But rightness often needs to be filtered through love, patience, understanding, and temperance. When people experience those things from you, you’ll find conversation flows instead of conflict.
It’s not a panacea; it’s a practice.
Another thing to consider is how we use the holiday. For some, it’s the chance to cut and run from the pressures of everyday life. In reality, it’s an opportunity for practice. In our interview, Justin pointed out that “When you practice these things at home, you make yourself better in the workplace. When you practice these things in the workplace, you make yourself better at home for your families.”
You are one person, and your personal and professional lives are interconnected. By being ‘EQ aware’ this Christmas and practising the Three Question Rule, you might just find that you start 2025 better equipped to lead with presence and not pressure. Let’s hope so!
Getting Practical: Embrace the Festive Spirit (But with Balance)
If you’re anything like me, when the flow of the festivities kicks in, my plans to journal, practise patience, and reflect on my year fall straight out of my brain. So here are moments to notice, and perhaps use as opportunities to put the Three Question Rule into practice:
The mealtime gathering: Use the Three Question Rule to navigate delicate conversations. Is this the right time to be right? How can I use (or not use) my words to contribute rather than create conflict?
The Christmas drive: With the year ending, reflect on past interactions at work. How could the Three Question Rule have improved those situations? How can I use these insights to set new intentions for 2025?
The lull in conversation: Make a conscious effort to apply this rule in one conversation every day. How does it change the way you communicate? How does it affect how others respond to you?
You can catch my full interview with Justin below, and I’d love to hear about your experiences with applying the Three Question Rule, so do drop me an email (almost) anytime.
Lastly, the next Culture Crush Meetup UK is on January 10th, where Nikki Hill will lead a reflection on Purposeful Conversation for 2025. You can register for your free place below.
Happy holidays, my friends. It’s been a joy 🎄
