Rating: 
Summary: Very logical, well thought out information and easy to apply
Review: The authors have done an outstanding job of analyzing what makes conversations difficult and translating that information into real-world strategies to help overcome those convrsations. Once I finished the book, I was able to apply the concepts almost effortlessly and got excellent results. The information is logical and well thought out, with each topic readily tying into the next. The strategies were like a bridge - they were the tools that transported my thoughts to reality.
Rating:
Summary: It's changed my life
Review: I started off slowly -- I focused on listening and and acknowledging my "contribution." Now, not a day goes by where I don't pick up the book and use it to help me solve a problem. It's been a paradigm-shifting experience. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: A Difficult Book to understand!
Review: I don't know if it was that the book was not well written, or just that the thoughts seemed disjointed, but I had a very difficult time following the ideas. First of all, it is really hard to digest the fact that I may be at fault for all of the issues I need to have difficult conversations about. This book would have us all believing that we should not only always look at the other person's side, but often sacrifice our own views and desires in the interest of making a difficult conversation easier. Secondly, I am sure there must be a better approach than this. I had to strongly disagree on many occasions with the author's recommendations because when I applied them to my own life, I found myself having to make excuses for wrongdoings that others did to me! Definitely not for people with low self-esteem!
Rating:
Summary: If everyone USED the techniques, our lives would benefit!
Review: Although this book was written by lawyers who in general are poor communicators, the lawyers who wrote this book demonstrate that generalities don't hold (and in fact impede communication). If we all USED the techniques presented in this book, our lives would be improved. Techniques are clearly presented and illustrated, but, of course, implementing these concepts into lives will require much effort (which the authors address). I suspect that anyone loooking for quick fix ideas will be disappointed, but it is hard to imagine that someone could read even a portion of this book and not become a better communicator. Highly recommended for anyone who is serious about improving their communication skills!
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating:
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.
Rating: 
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.
Rating: 
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.
| 
