Are You Provo-Evo Enough?

I was putting the finishing touches onto a PowerPoint for a Webinar I am doing for a client this week. The topic is how to communicate in provocative and evocative terms with customers. I call it prove-evo communication.

As I was running through it, I realized that provo-evo relates to a lot of business situations especially management (I have been using the terms provocative and evocative in relation to management for some time, but this is the first time I clicked with the term provo-evo and management).

Provocative: Exciting and stimulating. Intriguing. What if...? What’s special? How'd they do that? Have you noticed....? This team has the opportunity to impact the direction of the company with its research. This problem has plagued the department for years - let's look at it from another angle. We need to come up with a short list of projects that will best support this goal - and all ideas will be considered. I'd really like to pick your brain about a new idea I have been tossing around in my head.

Evocative: Pulls people in - helps bring things to mind. How did you...? Tell me about your favorite... If you could do it in any fashion, what would you do? Imagine that the proposal is approved - what's our next move? You've come such a long way with this company and this year has been a great year for your project management leadership.

Provo-evo is NOT a marketing technique.

I repeat. Provo-evo is NOT a marketing technique.

Well, I guess it really is, but only in the same way that being open, honest, and transparent, is a marketing technique.

Provo-evo is a way of communicating that is highly engaging and connecting. It should be the goal of all managers to master provo-evo communication. I have said before that I think managers ought to be master conversationalists. This is an important aspect of conversation.

I am an introvert, but I LOVE a provo-evo conversation and socialization. That's the point. Provo-evo transcends style and gregariousness.

But it must be sincere. This is not about seeing who can ask the most obtuse and intellectual question at the next staff meeting. It's about moving the conversation forward with velocity.

Are you provo-evo enough at work?

Do people leave their jobs due to low provo-evo? I have left jobs due to being bored a few times. And really, the greatest cause of boredom is that business conversations are sluggish, stupid, and unstimulating. I want to be engaged! You want the same thing, no? I think we all want provo-evo.

The new highest compliment: You are so provo-evo!

I will write more about how to provo-evo another day if you are interested...

 

Comments

[David Zinger]

Great term Lisa. Provo-Evo.

I know some people in the agriculture business who would probably like to call one of their farm products by this title...the term grows on you.

It is a nice word to think about conversations. I like the book Crucial Conversations and this is an extra term to enrich dialogue.

I encourage you to write more as conversations are increasing in focus and importance in organizations.

[Lisa Haneberg]

David - Thanks for the encouragement. The term has been growing on me, too. I will keep working the provo-evo line of thought!

[Clayton Bell]

Lisa,

Just came across your site and began sifting through past blogs and came across this beauty. What a great way to clarify this concept, allowing us to be better at it. Any time you want to expand on it, feel free!

[Lisa Haneberg]

Thanks Clayton, I will keep talking about it!