Conversation Transformation: Recognize and Overcome the 6 Most Destructive Communication Patterns

Repair communication breakdowns on the spot and drive positive results in every conversation Failed conversations can take a heavy toll on our professional and personal lives, threatening to damage relationships, erode trust, and make it impossible to resolve conflicts, reach decisions, or achieve mutual understanding. Conversation Transformationgives you practical guidelines for managing the six most common (and aggravating) conversation killers: yes-buts, mind-reads, negative predictions, leading questions, complaining, and verbal attacks. Each skill-building chapter guides you through a three-step process for replacing unconstructive habits with more effective responses: AWARENESS Learn to recognize an ineffective communication pattern the instant it occurs ACTION Use specific new strategies to turn the conversation in a better direction PRACTICE Engage in repeated, structured practice to turn those actions into new habits Praise for Conversation Transformation: Devastatingly insightful . . . provides the practical coaching you need to change old habits and transform your interactions. -SHEILA HEEN and DOUGLAS STONE, bestselling authors of Difficult Conversations An invaluable resource . . . filled with simple tools and fixes to improve communication skills, exactly the skills that can make us all more effective in politics, business, and life. -SENATOR JOHN F. KERRY Practical, inspiring, and powerful. You will never look at your conversations the same way again. -SUZANNE BATES, bestselling author of Speak Like a CEOand Discover Your CEO Brand

Note to the Reader
1 Can This Conversation Be Saved?
2 Teaching an Old Brain New Tricks
3 Polite Fights
4 Clairvoyant Readings
5 Catastrophe Forecasts
6 Question Traps
7 Gripe Cycles
8 Blame Games
9 SAVI
Afterword
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index