Effective Difficult Conversations: A Step-By-Step Guide

In personal and workplace communications, what we say and how we say it makes all the difference between a successful or a disastrous interaction. In this slim volume, Soehner (librarian, University of Utah) and Darling (assistant vice president, undergraduate studies, University of Utah) pay particular attention to the difficult conversations we all encounter in the course of our work lives. Whether it's asking the boss to explain a low merit rating, telling an employee to take personal phone calls outside the office area, or following up with a colleague about missed deadlines and meetings, these conversations are never fun or easy. However, with adequate preparation and delivery, they can be effective, with both parties feeling heard and a desirable outcome achieved. Each of the 10 chapters provides practical and relevant advice for employees and employers who may find themselves engaged in a difficult work-related conversation.