Crucial Conversations: Learn How to Talk When the Stakes are High

CS: This is interesting in giving you some tools to improve communication and not be afraid of tackling issues with people. Avoiding problems doesn't solve them!

Canada on May 18, 2020

J. Day: I don't normally rate 'self-help' books highly, but this was an interesting read which I have now recommended to others. Although the first couple of chapters are a bit of a slog, it is worth persisting, as the book contains lots of highly practical suggestions and frameworks which can be easy to implement.

United Kingdom on Jul 18, 2019

Sarah D: I read this book the first time through work, having moved on and wanting a reminder I bought it again. Thought provoking read and makes you think ahead of what you need to say and how you might say it. Good condition, arrived in good time.

United Kingdom on Sep 28, 2018

OnetoWatch: Utterly terrific - i read a lot of books on communication and am rarely to be found scribbling furiously in the margins. More than that i actually began to practice the tools immediately after reading. this book will help you if you sometimes say things in the wrong way or find that your tone stops you being heard. it has already made a huge difference for me in my personal and professional lives. In both contexts i have meant well but not conveyed that - this book will teach you how. wonderfully written, practical and elegant i am a big fan.

United Kingdom on Aug 10, 2014

O. Halabieh: I recently finished reading the book Crucial Conversations - Tools for talking when stakes are high by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler. Crucial conversations are defined as: "A discussion between two or more people where (1) stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong". Crucial conversations occur everyday whether in a personal or professional level. A key for success and happiness is the ability to master these conversations. This book offers numerous tools to help one initiate and or engage in such conversations in a positive and productive manner.

Below are excerpts from the book that I found particularly insightful, and that summarize the tools presented:

1- "Master your crucial conversations and you'll kick-start your career, strengthen your relationships, and improve your health. As you and others master high-stakes discussions, you'll also vitalize your organization and your community."

2- "We're simply suggesting that whatever the decision-making method, the greater the shared meaning in the pool, the better the choice - whoever makes it."

3- "Start With Heart...Work on Me First...Focus on What...

United States on Oct 22, 2011

NHow: I don't generally like how-to books. They tend to be full of silly made-up jargon. This has a few but in the main it's readable and makes a lot of sense. In practice it can help you avoid getting embroiled in emotionally negative conversations at times when you need a clear head to find ways through the thickets of conflict. What I particularly liked was its easy to learn techniques and the fact that you don't have to get a PhD in conflict management. There are clear examples of difficult situations (both workplace and personal relationships) and how to handle them. I would highly recommend this book.

United Kingdom on Apr 26, 2011

stingray: This is one of the best books I have read in learning new skills especially in communication. I loved these authors- before this book I read, " Influencer" which I highly recommend.
There are many things I loved about this book:
Let's start with the concept of conversations becoming crucial or heated. I never knew there was specific skills that could be use to make conversation better and not have heated conversation escalates. What I learned was to learn to look for when conversation become crucial and when the person you speaking to if not feeling safe and results in violence and/or silence. Awareness in a big part of it. And making sure that both parties are aware of their mutual purpose. They called it starting with the heart. What do you want from this dialogue and what do I want.
Secondly, I love where they show you how to use it, not in an abstract concept but in practical terms. For example, they say take one chapter, re-read it and practice it for a week, then go on to another chapter and do the same. Also, they talked about teaching someone what you learn , in this way , it will reinforced what you learn. Too many books , give you the information and does not...

United States on Feb 18, 2010