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Summary: An excellent book about the potential of our conversations.
Review: One of the most worthwhile books I've read in a while. Interweaving stories about people and some very simple, but profound techniques, the authors take you inside the way we communicate. What's amazing is how many times I saw myself inside their examples--you really start seeing how similar we all are, and what traps we all fall into. What's nice is that they give you some really effective techniques on how to stop yourself from saying things that don't help, and how to make sure you do say things that do. I also liked the way it was written--a very human style that really keeps your interest.
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Summary: A must read for those who do not have a Ph.D. in Psychology
Review: This is a helpful book. The authors draw from a variety of conceptual frameworks on behavior but blend them skillfully to present a coherent work. I have already re-analyzed the difficult conversations I had had in the past in light of this book and even used some of the techniques in real life situations. I wish I had read such a book years ago which would have spared so many difficult conversations. Some readers may recognize some of the theories (the authors do acknowledge Argyris et al. in the Foreword) but it does not lessen the quality of the book.
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Summary: Provides an excellent model for managers to follow
Review: As a Marketing Manager, much of my time is spent managing my employees and the expectations of senior management.This book provided a real solid framework that I plan to use to navigate challenging discussions on job performance, career expectations, business results, etc. The bottomline is that this framework will greatly increase the likelihood of getting to the desired outcome of any converstaion--i.e. creating value.
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Summary: simply written and admirably detailed
Review: Difficult Conversations is filled with rich, insightful and elucidating anecdotes which facilitate both learning and understanding. One is able to hear and feel a human voice on every page through the complexity of everyday conversations. Simply written and admirably detailed, Difficult Conversations, like a good coach, enables the reader to discover more of him or herself through appreciating the endless possibilities within each person as well as between people. Clear and compassionate this is a remarkably helpful guide.
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Summary: Ivy League Lawyer Geeks interpret Family Therapy
Review: Very disappointing, thin material presented in double space format and large type to bulk up a thinly veiled version of family therapy technique. The chapter on Listening is particularly facile and lacking any rigor or new ideas apart from bashing active listening. Urging the importance of "authenticity" is pricelessly ironic from our lawyer authors. I was hoping for some new ideas but was presented with the pablum of family therapy techniques watered down for the masses. Forget this book despite the heavy duty PR blurb on the covers extolling its virtues.
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Summary: Warmed Over Cognitive Therapy and Action Science
Review: This is watered down Action Science material a la Argyris for the general public. Just another book length marketing brochure for several drop-out consultants from the Harvard Negotiation Project--shameless self-promotion.
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Summary: A great reference!
Review: This book offers great advice that I can use on a daily basis in my relationships. As a physician, difficult conversations occur daily. This book helped me to recognize where some of my previous conversations have gone wrong and should help me gain the foresight I need to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Looking forward to great results!
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Summary: Funny and VERY useful
Review: This is a book with a lot in it. There is advice for handling all kinds of difficult situations -- its easy to understand and simple to read, but it is going to take a while to try out all of their advice. What I've tried so far has worked really well though. I sent it to my brother and after he read a couple of chapters it was easier to deal with him about our familiy's summer place. I highly recommend it.
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Summary: Great Quotes for "Difficult Conversations"
Review: Quotes My skepticism towards books like this runs wide and deep. But this is the brilliant exception. I've already re-read most of it. I'm using it. What more could a reader ask? - (Tom Peters, bestselling author of In Search of Excellence and The Pursuit of Wow!) -Tom Peters Emotional intelligence applied to life's tough moments. - (Daniel Goleman, bestselling author of Working with Emotional Intelligence) -Daniel Goleman The only people who shouldn't read Difficult Conversations are those who never work with people, anywhere. - (Peter M. Senge, bestselling author of The Fifth Discipline) -Peter M. Senge
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Summary: This book has changed my life!
Review: Thank god for this book. Already I've learned how to communicate better with people. This is the kind of book everyone should read. If every person read this book, the world would be a much better place.
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