Book Description

Perhaps the biggest challenge-and the biggest source of stress-for most people in the workplace is dealing with difficult people and having difficult conversations. Dealing with a Difficult Co-worker, and future volumes in the Courageous Conversations at Work series, are each designed to present the reader with techniques and guiding principles for bringing up difficult issues in an entertaining story-based format. This series is also designed to be used by training and development professionals as the foundation for in-house seminars, where each story could be used to engage learners in a facilitated conversation or workshop on how to address the particular issue raised in that story.TABLE of CONTENTSSECTION ONEAbout This SeriesIntroductionWhere This Comes From and What That Has to Do With YouHow to Make the Most of ThisSECTION TWODid He Really Just Say That?From Ruminating to Plotting RevengeComing to My SensesSo What Does "Address an Issue Directly" Actually Look Like?What Do I Share And What Do I NOT Share?What's The Outcome I Desire?Transforming a Counterproductive Outcome Intention to a Productive OneStarting the Conversation Off on the Right FootWhat If It All Goes Wrong?How Do You Manage Up When Your Boss Isn't Likely to Care?Doesn't All This Worst Case Scenario Thinking Just Add To Your Stress?It's Game On...Why Did I Choose This for My Declaration/Invitation?Sam RespondsWas He Really Telling the Truth?What Can We Learn From Sam's Response?Where NOT To Go From HereGauging Someone's Comfort with Open, "Deep" ConversationTrue Confession TimeLet's End This Off on a High NoteSECTION THREEWhat Can We Learn From This Story?A Quick Review and Reminders For Future Courageous ConversationsNext StepsABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Lee, the founder of HumanNature@Work, works with employers who want to improve employee engagement, productivity, and customer service through his consulting, coaching, and training. He has worked with organizations and presented at conferences both domestically and abroad.Recently, his work on what makes organizations resilient and employees perform at their best has focused on the central role productive relationships and productive conversations have on these outcomes, with this being the take away message: "Every better business result you want requires having a better conversation."COMMENTS FROM SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS"Your presentation on Constructive Conversations got rave reviews and I hope we can bring you back to Granite State College again soon!"Beth Dalzell, Granite State College, NHYour program on Constructive Conversations was THE most memorable seminar I've ever attended, and I've been to a lot of training and a lot of school.Ingrid Lederman, DDJ Capital Management, LLC, Waltham, MA"It's an educational privilege and pleasure to learn from David Lee! When he's presenting to audiences large and small his insights about workplace dynamics, leadership, and striving for our personal best resonate with everyone. David provides invaluable aha moments that translate into actionable takeaways. He always exceeds expectations, leaving participants wanting more. Equally impressive are David's small group and team facilitation skills. Having participated in several of David's sessions with my C-suite colleagues, I've witnessed David's strong listening skills and ability to synthesize information and appropriately direct (and re-direct) conversations. Because he has the ability to build trust and rapport quickly, it affords him the necessary gateway for a deep dive into pertinent issues. His presence and unique coaching style lead to worthwhile learning for everyone. Five stars for David Lee!" Lisa Drew McIlwain, Southern Maine Health Center, ME