Can We Talk?: Seven Principles for Managing Difficult Conversations at Work Matuson Roberta Chinsky

Having difficult conversations at work is a necessary discomfort. Recognizing that it takes two people to engage in meaningful conversation, Can We Talk? Instead of avoiding these conversations with your boss, colleagues or direct reports, you need a strategy that won't leave you feeling like you were being talked at or ignored.The key to solving this problem starts and ends with changing the conversation.

Illustrated with scenarios from everyday work situations, the author offers guidance on how to create the right conditions for a meaningful discussion as well as defining the seven key principles (confidence, clarity, compassion, curiosity, compromise, credibility and courage) that enable both parties to gain a deeper understanding of what the other person may be thinking and outlines what each contributor needs to do to achieve the best possible result.