Just Be Honest: Authentic Communication Strategies That Get Results and Last a Lifetime

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Summary: Just Be Honest - - -It Should Be Common Practice!!
Review: At first the title of this book, "Just Be Honest", left me a little cold. Geez isnt that just plain old 'common sense'? You know, the sort of thing any decent set of parents would have taught you, I thought. Well, yes it is common sense but as Steven says in the book - - it may be common sense but it is not common practice.

Being honest in a constuctive, effective way is not about speaking your piece and walking away while saying "At least I'm honest" to a stunned co-worker, friend or family member. That's just being rude, boorish and selfish. We all know people like that and once having been exposed to them we avoid them like the plague - - forever - - even if it might be possible they may have something worthwhile to say.

Being honest in a constructive and effective way, a way that not only maintains your relationship with that co-worker, friend or family member but also enhances the relationship is not easy. In fact, it's downright difficult. That's why it's not common practice. But with the help of this book it can be made easier.

When Steven Gaffney promises in the title to give you "Authentic Communication Strategies That Get Results and Last a Lifetime" he delivers. In no time I found myself liberally injecting his "I notice" . . . "I imagine" technique into dozens of daily dialogues with friends, family and co-workers. And, much to my delight, the feedback has been just exactly as Steven said it would be - - - positive, upbeat and effective.

In a 30 year executive career I've read literally hundreds of business and self help books - -some very good and some not so hot. But,this book, in my opinion, should be a "MUST READ" for every aspiring young executive, hopeful CEO and corporate HR Director in America. And it would'nt be a bad idea if every marriage or relationship counselor gave a copy of Steven Gaffney's book to their clients, too.

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Summary: Just went to the seminar!
Review: Steve Gaffney has captured the essence of communication and he shows, in simple terms, how to effectively deal with the most common problems that affect our professional and personal relationships. His vivid examples and practical suggestions come together in an easy-to-read book full of helpful information. I would recommend it to anyone who regularly communicates with others!

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Summary: Simple yet effective
Review: Steve Gaffney has captured the essence of communication and he shows, in simple terms, how to effectively deal with the most common problems that affect our professional and personal relationships. His vivid examples and practical suggestions come together in an easy-to-read book full of helpful information. I would recommend it to anyone who regularly communicates with others!

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Summary: Just went to the seminar!
Review: The company I work for paid for our entire division to attend his seminar. It's simply amazing how much we don't know about effective communication. Just last night I utilized his strategy and it worked flawlessly. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this!

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Summary: Just Be Honest
Review: This book is awesome!
We'd have a lot less problems in this world if everyone read this and implemented the simple steps Steven points out.
The book will help you in all facets of your life!

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Summary: Honesty IS the best policy!
Review: This is a great book the explains a very simple,but powerful concept. If more people practiced what Gaffney preaches, we'd all have better relationships!

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Summary: Important Book
Review: This is an important book. If I had read it 5 years ago, I might still be married. Boy did we live in our "imaginations." Steven Gaffney has done everyone a service with this book.

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Summary: A Great Read and Reminder for Everyone
Review: What makes this book GREAT is the specfic examples, stories, and tips that Steven Gaffney provides.

It is good to describe principles and theories and to relate why it is essential to be honest and have great character, but this book brings these important elements to life with real storIes and examples and practical advice and ideas.

The "notice" versus "imagine" concept is so simple (now that I've read it), but it is so overlooked in everyday communication and relationships.

Loved the story about Mike Tyson. Steven got himself into a real pickle with his encounter with Tyson. We can all learn from this example of what not to do.

An easy read with solid content.

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Summary: Read this book & your nose won't grow (Pinochio reference)
Review: With all the self-help books out there today, I thought this book was refreshingly different, and much easier to apply to my life. With other books, I often found myself overwhelmed with trying to remember all of the manipulation techniques to influence people or get them to like you. But this book takes a different approach, and implies that you can get ahead by just being honest. Now your probably thinking, as I was, that anyone with good parents or a religious upbringing knows that honesty is best, so why read a book about it? But this book offers specific communication techniques to achieve your goals. I especially liked the tips on the types of wording to use when engaged in a conflict with someone else, such as starting sentences with "I feel..." instead of making accusations. It really works!

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Summary: Gaffney nails it on this one.
Review: With this new book Steve Gaffney takes a quantum the leap from run-of-the-mill, motivational, cheer-leader to foundation shaking visionary. The chapter on Columbo should be required reading for anyone interested in succeeding in corporate America. Using Mr. Gaffney's easy to understand strategy I was able to obtain a position in my company that I was woefully underqualified for. As an added bonus I have been able to parlay Gaffney's "Authentic Communication Strategies" into a very active sex-life. Needless to say my "calendar" is full...With quite a bit of variety...If you know what I'm saying.