Book Review: Crucial Conversations
Tools for Talking when Stakes are High
by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High helps us as professionals answer the difficult questions we often face when weighing when and how to speak up.
Do you ever wonder if you should speak up when you disagree with someone? The other person is proposing a path of action or making an argument, but you don't think the person is on the right track. In fact, you fear that if the person's ideas are put into action, it will actually cause problems.
You know your opinion and that you disagree. You know you probably should speak up. However, what if your idea goes against the majority opinion? What if your idea offends someone? What if the person with whom you disagree is in a position of power or authority? You've seen others stand up to this individual in the past and the results have been discouraging.
Faced with all of these factors, would you speak up? Could you? Careful communication is required with such circumstances. Crucial Conversations teaches the reader how to handle difficult situations and master necessary communication. Learn how to take charge of your emotions, speak up and be heard without causing defensiveness or taking unnecessary risks. Also, learn how to encourage others to do the same.
Its an easy read and it is chock full of practical skills that can make your life easier at home, work, and play. Best of all, it can help us all share our professional expertise, when we should, even if it might appear risky.
Submitted by Margaret Doyle, RN, MSN, director of Perioperative Nursing