What conversation isn’t crucial?
As a leader of people in all sorts of organizations (both private and non-profit) over the past 30+ years, rarely have I heard a conversation that isn’t crucial ...
Yea, there's the Monday morning water-cooler talk, the occasional over-the-cubicle banter, and in the age of remote work, the friendly ZOOM chat to simply catch up, but by far, the majority of conversations I hear or have been part of are deemed crucial.
What's a crucial conversation?
Well, I'm on my fourth read through one of the best books ever written on the topic called, "Crucial Conversations - Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High".
Simply put, a conversation can be considered "crucial" when:
Opinions vary.
Stakes are high, and;
Emotions run strong
I don't know about you, but there were many days when that list defined a bulk of the conversations I was a part of.
In essence, Crucial Conversations can be "every day" kind of conversations depending on your life, your work, what you do and who you communicate with.
"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
George Bernard Shaw
It’s not what you say that matters. It’s what people hear and understand that counts.
Have you ever felt that way — that you communicated something meaningful or important only to realize the person you were speaking to never even heard or understood what you said?
This post isn't a review of the book or a summary of its contents. Suffice to say, if YOU want to be a better communicator — especially when opinions vary, the stakes are high and emotions run strong ... well, I would order it and read it cover to cover!
As of this writing, there are 1,680 4.5 stars for this book on Amazon … check it out.
Here’s a link to the book on Amazon. I do not receive a commission, etc. I just think it’s a great book for people who must communicate!
If I can help you communicate well, reach back!
