Some days ago, I heard a fantastic interview with Phil Haack on the IT Career Energizer Podcast. Here is the episode description:
In this episode, Phil Haack tells us why we need to be prepared to have difficult conversations and why this can help your career. Phil also talks about the importance of taking care when writing code and why you should test your code carefully.
What amazing show!
In this interview, Phil recommended an excellent book: Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. I listened to the audio version of the book, and it is impressive. I strongly recommend it.
The book gives a lot of good suggestions about how to succeed in challenging conversations. Here is a short description (from Amazon):
We attempt or avoid difficult conversations every day-whether dealing with an underperforming employee, disagreeing with a spouse, or negotiating with a client. From the Harvard Negotiation Project, the organization that brought you Getting to Yes, Difficult Conversations provides a step-by-step approach to having those tough conversations with less stress and more success. you’ll learn how to:
- Decipher the underlying structure of every difficult conversation
- Start a conversation without defensiveness
- Listen for the meaning of what is not said
- Stay balanced in the face of attacks and accusations
- Move from emotion to productive problem solving
I wish I had the opportunity to read (or listen) it some years ago. For sure I would have less stressful moments.
Thanks Phil!
