ChannelPro Book Club: Summer Edition

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition

By Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler (McGraw-Hill Education, 2011)

The title and subtitle of this book kind of give it away. For Beth Burnside, owner of CMIT Solutions of Erie, Pa., the volume falls into one of her preferred categories: leadership skill development. “Many of us struggle with having difficult conversations, whether it be with a client, an employee, or a family member,” she says. “This book outlines a methodology to use when you need to have a highly charged and/or an emotional conversation. It helps you move from avoiding challenging conversations to [embracing] them as the best way to enhance relationships.” Burnside adds that the ability to have these honest conversations enhances your leadership skills.

Image: Courtesy Amazon