Crucial Conversations

Tools for Talking when Stakes Are High

"Crucial" conversations are interpersonal exchanges at work or at home that we dread having but know we cannot avoid. How do you say what needs to be said while avoiding an argument with a boss, child or relationship partner? Crucial Conversations offers readers a proven seven-point strategy for achieving their goals in all those emotionally, psychologically or legally charged situations that can arise in their professional and personal lives. Based on the authors' highly popular DialogueSmart training seminars, the techniques are geared toward getting people to lower their defenses, creating mutual respect and understanding, increasing emotional safety and encouraging freedom of expression. Among other things, readers also learn about the four main factors that characterize crucial conversations, as well as a six-minute mastery technique that prepares them to work through any high-impact situation with confidence.