Critical Conversations For Dummies

The easy way to communicate best when it matters most Most people are aware of the importance of handling critical conversations well. However, when it comes down to actually being in a difficult situation that calls for key communication skills, many do not know how to practically apply their own thoughts.

Communicate best when it matters most

Critical Conversations For Dummies is a step-by-step reference for the variety of difficult conversations life presents in the workforce. It’s packed with strategies for preparing for all kinds of high-stakes situations: being persuasive (not abrasive); knowing the value of assertive communication; resolving failed promises and missed deadlines; understanding audience needs to get positive results; altering confrontational language to cooperative language; building relationships in the face of conflict; and much more.

• Critical Conversations 101 — get the scoop on the anatomy of a critical conversation, from preparing for the conversation and kicking off the discussion to closing out the communication with ease
• The principles of communication — find out how to perfect your communication techniques with cooperative language, body language and listening skills, and your own communication style
• Get talking — discover how to reduce your own level of stress before the conversation starts, make decisions in the face of conflict and negative reactions, and keep things on track
• In good times and bad — learn how to communicate in positive and negative situations with impact, from hiring superstars and helping them hit the ground running, to firing poor performers and dealing with staff disputes

Open the book and find:

• The what, when, who, why, and where of critical conversations
• Great tips on how to be a better communicator
• The importance of getting critical conversations right
• How to use the EDGE model to achieve exceptional results
• Why critical situations fail (and how to avoid them)
• Ways to set up for success before a word is spoken
• Nonverbal techniques that speak volumes

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The easy way to communicate best when it matters most

Most people are aware of the importance of handling critical conversations well. However, when it comes down to actually being in a difficult situation that calls for key communication skills, many do not know how to practically apply their own thoughts.

Critical Conversations For Dummies is a step-by-step reference for the variety of crucial conversations life presents in the workforce. It's packed with strategies for preparing for high-stakes situations; being persuasive (not abrasive); knowing the value of assertive communication; resolving failed promises and missed deadlines; maintaining morale when firing staff; getting new employees off on the right foot; managing staff relations and strengthening team relationships; understanding audience needs and motivations to get positive results; altering confrontational language to cooperative language during difficult conversations; and building relationships in the face of conflict.

• Improve communication skills in crucial conversations
• Avoid common pitfalls and emotional tendencies
• Discover the benefits of success in crucial conversations

This book is especially relevant to the hundreds of thousands of leaders who are tasked with multiple duties, whether addressing complex problems from stakeholders or achieving exceptional results from staff.