Book of the Month: Crucial Conversations

“Crucial Conversations draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships, and our world. . . . This book deserves to take its place as one of the key thought leadership contributions of our time.” (From the forward by Steven R. Covey)

Crucial conversations are those we have with important people in our lives, both personal and professional, where the outcome of the conversation will have a significant impact on our lives. This book teaches you how to manage and use these conversations to their full potential in order to build a better life.

No one likes difficult conversations. But they are necessary and they're important for the health of our business, our relationships and our mental wellbeing. Using the tools outlined in the book, you'll be equipped to handle these conversations with confidence, care, and clarity, making it safe to talk about almost anything and be persuasive, not abrasive.

Crucial conversations involve 3 key components: high stakes, differing views, and strong emotions. They may not involve big issues, but their outcomes can affect the quality of our lives. 

There's not a single person I know who hasn't had to have a hard conversation. Often the anticipation of the conversation and the dread of how it might go is far worse than the actual conversation! It is human nature to delay discussions that we are afraid will hurt us or make things worse. Co-workers send emails when they should just meet in person and speak frankly. Employers leave voice messages instead of having meetings with their direct reports. Family members change the subject when it becomes too awkward. 

To be able to express yourself clearly and calmly while addressing the issue openness and compassion is a skill that few have. That's why this book is so valuable. I have seen the benefits of having these conversations. I have also seen the damage that not having them can create: misunderstanding, anger, frustration, damaged relationships.

This is an easy book to read with lots of examples and stories that make the concepts easy to understand. It is one of those books that I keep returning to, and I am always thankful for the wisdom found in it.