Bruce Patton

Douglas Stone

Sheila Heen

Offers advice on working gracefully and effectively through such confrontational situations as ending relationships and asking for a raise, identifying key adjustments necessary to the dialogue process.

How to Discuss what Matters Most

Difficult Conversations

Highly practical, use often in my daily life

Sarah Erle

I think this book is really great and every human should read it. However, I wish there was a negotiation book out there that dealt with what happens when your discussion partner sees you as less than human (Eg misogyny, homophobia). Similarly to how non-violent protest has lost its power in an America that lacks a conscience, I find my negotiation opposition is sometimes sexist and doesn’t listen to, engage with, or care about what I say. I think the solution is to walk away from these situations if at all possible, make them argue with themselves or strong arm the person if necessary, but would love an expert opinion.

The authors cover difficult situations in both personal and professional life.

Julien Sobczak

Difficult conversations are … difficult but much more approachable with this book!

I have seen this book quoted so many times and I now understand why. This book is exceptional and will help you learn how to manage difficult conversations (yes, it's something anyone can learn through practice). 

The authors found the perfect balance between theory and practice. You will understand why we are so reluctant to engage in difficult conversations, and why we should not, how we and the other person experience the conversation at a profound level, but more important, you will learn practical advices to face the situation, a kind of GPS to navigate the conversation and find the best exit where both will have learn and grow. 

This is a book not just for managers. The information distilled in this book is useful, if not indispensable, for any one of us —friend, parent, colleague, neighbor. Learning difficult conversations is a superpower to navigate life. I don't have that skill for now but reading this book brought me confidence that this is an attainable objective, especially if the other person has read the same book :), so read it!

Dana Kraft

Excellent reference! I wish more people were open to the kinds of techniques described in here.

Difficult Conversations How to Discuss what Matters Most

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