Difficult Conversations Book Summary

In 'Difficult Conversations,' Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen unravel the complexities of tough dialogues that we often shy away from. The authors provide a groundbreaking framework for tackling conversations filled with conflict, emotion, and uncertainty. With practical tools and real-life examples, readers learn to navigate their feelings and the perspectives of others, leading to more constructive outcomes. This transformative guide empowers individuals to turn potentially damaging exchanges into opportunities for connection and understanding. Prepare to reshape your approach to communication and discover the art of engaging in the conversations you’ve always dreaded.

By Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen

Published: 2010

"The biggest barrier to effective communication is not lack of information, but the fear of how to express our thoughts and feelings honestly without escalation."

Difficult ConversationsBook binding

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Book Review of Difficult Conversations

The 10th-anniversary edition of the New York Times business bestseller-now updated with "Answers to Ten Questions People Ask" We attempt or avoid difficult conversations every day-whether dealing with an underperforming employee, disagreeing with a spouse, or negotiating with a client. From the Harvard Negotiation Project, the organization that brought you Getting to Yes, Difficult Conversations provides a step-by-step approach to having those tough conversations with less stress and more success. you'll learn how to: · Decipher the underlying structure of every difficult conversation · Start a conversation without defensiveness · Listen for the meaning of what is not said · Stay balanced in the face of attacks and accusations · Move from emotion to productive problem solving

Book Overview of Difficult Conversations

About the Book Authors

B

Bruce Patton

Bruce Patton is a renowned author and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, best known for his seminal works, including 'Getting to Yes' and 'Negotiating Rationally'. His writing often combines insights from behavioral economics with practical negotiation strategies, making complex concepts accessible to both professionals and general readers. Patton's engaging and clear prose has made significant contributions to the fields of negotiation and interpersonal communication, establishing him as a leading voice among negotiation practitioners and educators.

D

Douglas Stone

Douglas Stone is a renowned author and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. He is best known for his influential works, which include the bestselling title "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most," co-authored with Sheila Heen and Bruce Patton. Stone's writing style is characterized by its clarity, practical insights, and an engaging approach that combines storytelling with actionable strategies. Through his extensive research and experience, he helps readers navigate challenging conversations and foster understanding in both personal and professional contexts.

S

Sheila Heen

Sheila Heen is a prominent author, speaker, and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. She is best known for her influential books, including "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most" (co-authored with Douglas Stone and Bruce Patton) and "Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well" (co-authored with Douglas Stone). Heen's writing style is characterized by clarity and practical insights, drawing on extensive research and real-world experiences. As a faculty member at Harvard Law School and a co-founder of a consulting firm, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate challenging conversations and improve communication.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen
Published
November 2010
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN
0143118447
Language
English
Pages
351
Genres
Self-HelpProfessional CommunicationCommunicationConflict Resolution

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The biggest barrier to effective communication is not lack of information, but the fear of how to express our thoughts and feelings honestly without escalation.

Difficult Conversations

By Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen

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