Episode 701 - The Gift of Asking

In this week’s episode of Monday Morning Mojo, Phil Buchanan shares reflections from a recent family trip to Greece, and the surprising power of one simple question: “Can you teach me something?” From taxi drivers and fellow travelers to summer interns at Cannon, Phil explores how curiosity opens doors to deeper understanding, connection, and mutual respect. Tune in to discover how asking others to share what they know can spark meaningful conversations and personal growth.

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Transcript

Top performers in every field surround themselves with those who inspire them, who seek to build them up, and who push them to reach beyond their current limits. I'm Phil Buchanan, executive chairman of Cannon Financial Instant. To. I designed Monday Morning Mojo to provide you with a weekly spark, a push and motivational insight to live your best life.

Thanks for joining. Good Monday morning. It is Phil here with episode 701 of Monday Morning Mojo. Let me begin this by, uh, expressing heartfelt appreciation to each of you that, uh, reached out in recognition of our 700th mojo last week. Uh, it is always great to, uh, to hear from you, our listeners, and I want to thank you for, uh, your, your recognition of that event.

Um, our family. Recently took a trip to Greece. Now I was in Greece over 40 years ago on a high school trip. What a fabulous experience that was. I noticed that this time some things had changed, but the beauty of the country of Greece remains ever present. While there, our family did several small tours, which were all fantastic.

The guides were very knowledgeable, very engaging, very conversational. Also, during the trip, we needed car service or transport to and from hotels, ferries, airports, et cetera. And as it would work out, I was usually required to sit in the front seat next to the driver. And so I used that as an opportunity to engage them.

And I ask each of these drivers, basically the, the same request I asked them to teach me something about Greece and in particular the area or region. In which they had grown up. Now, once I put forth this request, it became rare for me to talk any further. Um, one of the things I found is that when you give individuals the opportunity to set the conversation, they will normally do it.

I learned a tremendous amount of information that isn't covered in cultural tours. It's not on the. Internet lists of information and ideas. I also discovered that to the person. A deep expression of appreciation for my request was given. See. I was giving them the freedom to choose what they were gonna talk about and to guide the conversation.

And I'm guessing that's normally not the way it goes now. Also, on our trip, we had the opportunity to meet with other travelers. We met some from the us but we ran into individuals from the uk, from Albania, from Italy, from Montenegro, and from the Netherlands. And with each of these encounters, I ask them.

To teach me something about their country that might not be as well known by folks from other countries like the us. It was fascinating to listen to the topics that they picked, and regardless of the topic, not only did I learn something, but I watched their level of energy and engagement. As they shared with me these little particulars, the little insights that they had upon my return to the US and back to work, I met Cannon's new group of summer interns and we've got some fantastic ones.

This summer I decided to keep the teaching concept going and I have asked each of them to teach me something, uh, that is unique to their body of knowledge. Again, I've been struck by the intensity and energy that these young people have brought to the conversation. You know, when you ask someone to teach you something, you are both complimenting and empowering that individual.

I. It's a compliment because you're acknowledging that they possess insights, skills, expertise, that you don't. It's empowering because you allow them to choose the particulars. You know, I have learned that there is always something that can be learned from every individual with whom you encounter. If you really want to experience a unique and insightful conversation with someone, ask them to teach you something.

I promise you. You'll not only learn something, but you'll learn about the individual as well. Monday Morning Mojo is the production of Cannon Financial Institute, executive Producer of Monday Morning. Mojo is Sarah Jones. Editing and mixing is done by Danny Brunner. Until next time, I'm Phil Buchanan reminding you to be a force for good.

Have a great week and thanks for being part of the Mojo community.