I’m not a reader. Most of my reading includes articles in business journals: they take less than 10 minutes to read! However, I ran across a book titled Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron Mc Millian and Al Switzler that I couldn’t put down. Crucial Conversations shares the results of 25 years of research documenting why many conversations that include opposing opinions, strong emotions and high stakes go wrong. I am involved with such conversations every day (even though I do my best to avoid them). So on I went…
Crucial Conversations is filled with examples of conversations that went sour, why they went sour and how to fix the problem. I like books that do more than state the problem; rather, they offer fixes that are practical and doable. Here’s a practical guideline.
When you find yourself in a crucial conversation always communicate the facts (Truth), all the positions (Completeness) and be respectful (Respect).
Crucial Conversations coins a position the authors’ call “Fool’s Choice” which is not truthful, complete and respectful. The worst offenders, opting for Fool’s Choice, according to research, are hospital situations in which wrong performance often takes place because the communicators don’t get to the truth of the matter with complete information with respect. So, instead of a lady having her tonsils removed, her toe was amputated instead. FOOL’S CHOICE!!!
I’d like to read your thoughts.
Contact me at Bob@executiveadvantagellc.com.