Every week I like to share a resource that I feel will help you Maximize Possibility in your organization and your life at work. It's been a while since I've featured a book, so this week I would like to share one that has made a great impact on my life.
The Resource: Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking When The Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
What it is About: This book dispels the notion that "crucial conversations" only take place between high powered political officials and business executives on topics that shape the course of a nation or an organization.
While these can certainly be very important discussions, Crucial Conversations focuses rather on the everyday interactions we have with co-workers, bosses, friends, and loved ones on subject matters that can greatly impact the relationships we have with these individuals. Through a methodical system outlined in the book, Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler help us to better approach these conversations and make the most of our relationships with others.
Why You Should Read This Book: Let me start of by saying that this book has had a profoundly positive impact on the relationships I have with nearly everyone in my life. It has helped me to recognize situations where conversations are about to, or have already turned "crucial" and taught me how to approach these discussions in the most productive and healthy way possible.
The authors of this book have studied interpersonal communication for years and their expertise on this subject matter is clearly evident in their writing. I think it also helps a great deal that the book is a collaborative work that doesn't rely on just one person's opinions on such an important topic.
Their methodical, step by step approach to handling the crucial conversations of everyday life is easy to follow and more importantly, easy to implement into everyday life when one has made the commitment to improve their communication with others. I found it refreshing to read a book that makes the transition from theory into practice so straightforward and often find myself reading the chapter summaries to reinforce the powerful lessons I've learned in this book.
If my endorsement isn't enough to convince you that this book is worth the time to read, Stephen Covey also gives his endorsement in the book's foreword which is a clear indication of the high quality of content this book contains.
Bottom line, interpersonal relationships matter and research has shown that those who are most effective in maintaining positive relationships with others enjoy the most success in life - be it professionally or personally.
Put this book on your immediate reading list- I promise you won't be disappointed!
