Book Description
"Phil Harkins has it exactly right. To be a leader is to communicate powerfully—as he does in this thoughtful book." - Robert B. Reich, Professor of Social and Economic Policy Brandeis University.
Powerful Conversations breed a powerful organization. POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS is packed with goal-oriented strategies, tools, and real-life examples from great leaders. Use its deliberate, directed techniques to achieve exceptional levels of performance, create and maintain valuable relationships, and forward the goals of both yourself and your organization with every word you speak. Mastering the three stages of a Powerful Conversation—from shared feelings and beliefs, to an exchange of wants and needs, closing with action steps and mutual commitments—will help you exercise more control over your interactions, and greatly enhance both your leadership skills and your success.
Look inside to discover:
How to plan, conduct, and measure Powerful Conversations;
Using the Tower of Power as a tool in coaching;
The four Cs of Trust—clarity, caring, consistency, and commitment
Five strategies to satisfy—and keep—your best employees
Tools to turn the company grapevine from a poisonous plant into a pathway for learning
Determining your leadership competencies through the Leadership Assessment Instrument
Targeting Passionate Champions to drive an Agenda for Change.
Leaders across the country are praising POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS:
"Phil Harkins has it exactly right. To be a leader is to communicate powerfully—as he does in this thoughtful book." - Robert B. Reich, Professor of Social and Economic Policy, Brandeis University.
"Powerful Conversations have made a real difference in the effectiveness of the Operations Senior Leadership Team. We are delivering unprecedented results thanks to the clearer communication and improved working relationships." - Larry Gundrum, Senior Vice President, Kraft Foods.
"In my business, Powerful Conversations are leading to believability and a growing sense of achievability by our employees that they can drive a massive agenda for change." - Linda Coughlin, Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
"In a fast forward world, candor and clarity are prerequisites for success. POWERFUL CONVERSATIONS is a must read book for leading into the 21st century." - Steve Ozonian, Chairman and CEO, Prudential Real Estate and Relocations Solutions.
"A powerful guide, both savvy and wise, to emotional intelligence in action. Phil Harkins has given us an essential handbook for leaders at any level." - Daniel Goleman, Author, Working with Emotional Intelligence.
Download Description
Powerful communicators are made, not born. Powerful Conversations outlines the conversational techniques and tools that leaders from all walks of life use to create a bond with their listener, motivate others to achieve exceptional performance, and achieve business goals with each conversation.
Noted leadership expert Phil Harkins packs years of research and interviews into Powerful Conversations. His step-by-step blueprint will show every reader how to conduct and control effective, productive conversations and includes:
-- The power conversation strategies of Oprah Winfrey, Jack Welch, and others
-- Diagrams, models, lessons, and tests exploring the latest conversation technology
-- A hands-on workbook for practicing powerful conversation techniques
Customer Reviews:
Learn how high impact leaders communicate.......2006-02-21
It is no secret that some leaders can inspire people to heroic levels of greatness, while others can not even stimulate individuals to the level of mediocrity. Some organizations can inspire fierce employee loyalty while others watch their top talent depart regularly. The author of this book argues that often the reason for these situations lies in the way the top leaders of an organization communicate with the rest of the organization.
The author of this book shares his insight as to how high impact leaders communicate. By sharing the stories of some remarkable leaders who use Powerful Conversations techniques to spread their voice throughout their organization, to instill trust and loyalty, and to effectuate deep and profound change when change is necessary, the author hopes to share:
· why you must always say what you will do and what you say;
· how to use the four-step Tower of Power to guide companies through Powerful Conversations that lead to action;
· how to really listen to people so that organizations hear their message and they know that you understand;
· how to create Agenda for change and implement it to create profound change within the organization.
The author shares the five competencies-focused drive, emotional intelligence, trusted influence, conceptual thinking and systems thinking-shared by all high-impact leaders.
Excellent Leadership Tool.......2003-11-24
Prior to reading Powerful Conversations: How High-Impact Leaders Communicate, I had anticipated a manual to the proper rules of conversation. However, this book turned out to be much more than a manual of sorts. Harkins not only provides ways to develop excellent communication as well as leadership skills, he also explains what powerful conversations are, how they are structured, and what types of impacts, accomplishments and outcomes they render.
Being able to communicated effectively is critical in today's corporate world. Harkins reminds us of some of the most basic skills that most of us don't even consider to be as important in communication as they actually prove to be. Skills such as the ability to build trusting relationships and listen carefully to others.
However, not all the techniques discussed are as basic. It does indeed take practice to become a master of powerful conversation. Harkins provides six tools which can be used to enhance your communication and leadership skill in order to ensure greater success. I found Tool 1: Planning, Conducting, and Measuring Powerful Conversations, to be an excellent guideline for the preparation and implementation of powerful conversations. This tool also provides a series of simple but very relevant questions that you can ask yourself to determine what type of outcome resulted from your conversation.
Harkins also includes a self-scoring sample of the Leadership Assessment Instrument (LAI) to help you gain insight into your own leadership abilities, which I found to be extremely helpful.
Overall, I found this book to be very beneficial and would recommend it to professionals, students, and anyone looking to enhance their success.
A piece of the jigsaw.......2003-07-15
The title Powerful Conversations: How High-Impact Leaders Communicate led me to believe that this book was primarily concerned with interpersonal communication. I found, however, that it is largely focussed on the ethics of leadership and the philosophy of emotional intelligence as applied to big business. The book is of high calibre in this respect, and for this reason I gave it 4 stars. But if you are looking for a hands-on manual on communication you will need to look elsewhere.
Anyone who is sufficiently motivated to read this book will no doubt be already aligned with the basic philosophy of trust, openness, honesty, and clarity. The challenge lies in implementing such a philosophy. No doubt Harkins takes a more practical approach in his corporate training programme, and it would be a very large and expensive book if it were to contain such a programme in full. However, I find it frustrating that Harkins spends far more time explaining why than he does explaining how. Some methodology is woven into the text, but on the whole, the presentation focuses largely on principles and attitudes.
All of these elements, of course, provide a necessary foundation for any system; after all, rote behaviours are largely unsustainable. But there is also a need for clear directives on the progressive action steps that need to be taken. The book must serve exceedingly well as a door opener for corporate clients, but the owner/operator of a small business will not find definitive steps that he or she could progressively implement from the book alone. I should add that I am not advocating the rigid paint-by-numbers formula that some other motivational books follow.
What I most question is Harkins' representation of trust as a primary focus, rather than as an outcome of deliberate and conscious process. Trust, far from being a subjective quality only, is an objective competency that employees as well as their leaders must progressively develop and demonstrate. For example, in his book, Leadership, Rudolph Giuliani describes the functioning of his mayoral team with great frankness. In so doing, he demonstrates clearly how trust is not assumed at the beginning; it is developed over time and established through frank and honest appraisal of each team member's verbal and practical input. I miss this in Harkins' book.
I have nevertheless reserved a place for Powerful Conversations on my bookshelves. But to round out Harkins' perspective, I have added books like Rudolph Giuliani's Leadership, Jim Loehr's & Tony Swartz's The Power of Full Engagement, Dorothy Leeds' The 7 Powers of Questions and Meryl Runion's Power Phrases. Together, they make a mighty team.
Insightful!.......2001-04-24
When you talk, do people listen? Communicating effectively is essential in the business world. It is the first step in the path toward leadership. While other business books discuss leadership as a whole, this one focuses in on one of the most basic - and often overlooked - prerequisites to leadership: excellent communication skills. While most of the suggestions presented in Powerful Conversations seem like simple common sense, the book does get you to focus on critical points that you probably take for granted, like building trust, preparing in advance for potentially touchy conversations and actually listening to what other people say. In addition, it offers some helpful conversational strategies and pointers for determining when your meeting is heading south. We [...] recommend this book to executives in leadership positions, who will be reminded to brush up on their conversational style and delivery, and to business people and students looking to talk their way to the top.
Excellent guide for impactful conversations and leadership.......2000-02-25
This book provides the necessary tools for leadership and impactful conversations. It provides real-life technologies and tools for leaders at all levels of the organization. Inspiring and educational, this book should be on the shelf of all emerging and current leaders.
Book Description
Dubbed the executive's new coach by Fortune Magazine , Peter deLisser teaches managers how to shut up and listen, how to make every conversation a sales call and even how to deal with a boss who's a screamer.
Customer Reviews:
not so surprising .......2005-04-26
there is some good points to known , but it is a bit long for the ideas developed inside.
Listen up and learn how to listen!.......2002-05-21
This is a surprisingly fun book to read. Peter deLisser's "in your face" tone is hard to resist. He hammers in each point and then repeats it again for good measure. His main point -- to which he dedicates at least one-half of the book -- is the importance of being a "responsible listener." Listeners are made, not born, he believes. With practice and knowledge, you too can become a great listener -- and oh boy, the places you'll go then! Seriously, the tools and techniques in this book are very good and helpful not only in business but in personal relationships. The art of listening without reacting defensively is a real diamond in human relationships. It can turn many difficult discussions into experiences that bring people closer.
How to Listen..........2001-11-29
Most of our lives it's not uncommon to hear someone say "be quiet and listen...". Or perhaps it was "you're not listening to me..." I know I have used those words many times. However, in all of the years (47) I can't recall receiving very explicit instructions on how to listen... Never see "How to Listen" courses or conferences. Have seen much written on how to speak etc. Perhaps I looked in all the wrong places. In any case I finally found listening instructions in a book about coaching. Go figure! The 30 pages on listening are what make this worth reading. One quickly comes to understand why it appears as if nobody is listening to you; only 5% have been trained to listen. One quickly learns listening technique which has been invaluable to my career and personal life as well. This one stays on the reference shelf!
A practical survival guide to communicating with humans........2001-08-14
The book provides a person with my background (a science nerd turned into a hi-tech manager) well founded, well explained and 100% scientific approach to business communications. It teaches HOW to take 100% responsibility for listening and speaking. It is easy to advice not to react emotionally to what other person says, and everybody does it in their books. In contrast, this book teaches techniques that make emotional reaction unnecessary, without any artificial self control. When reading this book I realized that emotions in response to what others say result from the lack of the kind of analysis the author suggests to do: evaluate the message as being valid/invalid, conversation as being equal/unequal, always know where you are in any conversation. Making this analysis a habit accomplishes two goals: it makes clear and explicit (illuminates) what is actually going on, and moves you to the analytical kind of reaction instead of emotional. The book helped me to realize that emotions often result from the fear similar to the fear people experience in a dark maze. The analysis presented in the book results in always knowing where you are in a conversation, illuminates the maze, and removes the fear and all associated emotions. The author also provides clear guidance and scripts for what to do and what not to do when listening, which also builds confidence and thus lowers the emotion. In the section on speaking I liked the classification of speaking (coaching, declarations), the structured approach to speaking, and examples and scripts that are provided. I found it helpful to always know what you are doing when speaking. Then I can take control, and take the 100% responsibility for the outcome. The conversation management techniques (goals, time, exits, getting attention and commitments) are also invaluable. Reading the book had immediate effect on all of my relationships (I have a wife, three kids, a job and a lot of friends).
Not Just for the Suits!.......2001-06-29
I am not an executive in Big Business; I am a theater professional, living in a village in the New York metropolitan area; I have a family; I am a pro bono community activist. Mr. deLisser's techniques are useful in all quarters of my varied life.
From trying achieve consensus in a rehearsal process to motivating committee members of a library board, Mr. deLisser's system works. The reader will also find the book helpful in domestic communications from the kitchen to the bedroom.
I can highly recommended this book
Average customer rating:
|
50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks: Proven Words You Can Adapt for Any Business Occasion
John Kador
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Communications
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Running Meetings & Presentations
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Speech
| Words & Language
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Audiology & Speech Pathology
| Allied Health Professions
| Medicine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
How to Write and Give a Speech, Second Revised Edition: A Practical Guide For Executives, PR People, the Military, Fund-Raisers, Politicians, Educators, and Anyone Who Has to Make Every Word Count
-
Can You Say a Few Words?: How to Prepare and Deliver Award Presentations, Dedications, Eulogies and Prayers, Introductions, Retirements and Farewells, ... Birthday, Anniversary Toasts, and More.
-
It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It: Ready-to-Use Advice for Presentations, Speeches, and Other Speaking Occasions, Large and Small
-
Last Minute Speeches and Toasts
-
Think on Your Feet: The Art of Thinking and Speaking Under Pressure (Spectrum Book)
ASIN: 0071421947 |
Book Description
A leader's sourcebook of ready-to-use speeches for any occasion
Effective leaders must be able to speak to groups of employees in ways that motivate, inspire, and challenge. 50 High-Impact Speeches and Remarks is a sourcebook of proven speeches successful business leaders have used to rally their troops at a sales conference, carefully announce a major change or restructuring, or celebrate an important achievement.
Each speech has been edited to make it easy to adapt and customize to suit any organization.
Leaders will find the powerful, inspiring, and diplomatic words they need to:
- Challenge people to do their best work
- Congratulate the workforce after a successful quarter or year
- Announce a round of layoffs
- Inspire the organization with a new direction or strategy
- Ask employees to cut costs
- Deliver congratulations for a retirement
Customer Reviews:
A Must for Speakers.......2004-06-21
Public speaking has never been more important. The ability to deliver a well written speech is one of the most effective measures of a leaders' ability. The ability to motivate, spire, console, rebut and address the eventualities of everyday life in a forthright and honest manner will mold their futures.
This speech collection offers unusual insight into the speechwriter's art. No speaker who aspires to greatness should be without it.
Using 50 speeches as a model, the reader is provided proven presentations. By providing a running rhetorical commentary on the techniques of the speech, John Kador, a professional speechwriter, illustrates the art and science of effective speechwriting. Adapt the models to your style, but follow the rules. This book contains the wisdom and experience of more than 25 professional speechwriters
I have the good fortune to have a speech I wrote included. While it is tempting to criticize the commentary on my edited text, it is pointless. The lessons are invaluable to the reader.
To paraphrase the showman P. T. Barnum speaking to reporters, "write what you will, just spell my name correctly."
Being included in this collection is an honor.
Product Description
Quite simply the best book to read if you want to design and deliver presentations that have huge impact without the hassle of attending a 2-day course. It is short, colourful, easy to read and, above all, the techniques featured in the book actually work!
Customer Reviews:
This small book is (incredibly) good.......2007-08-20
Less is more and simple is best!
The book is concise and precise and to the point.
Small book with great value
If you are frusturated with reading terrible textbook or "expert advice" about presentation skills (like me), this is the one you should read!
Average customer rating:
|
How To Create High Impact Business Reports
Joyce Kupsh
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Communications
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Business Writing
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Running Meetings & Presentations
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Writing
| Reference
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
Writing Skills
| Writing
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0844234109 |
Customer Reviews:
High-Impact Bus Reports.......2007-01-03
An excellent review book for professionals wanting to improve their communication skills.
Average customer rating:
|
Here's How: Create High-Impact Business Presentations (Here's How Series)
J. Kupsch , and
Pat R. Graves
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Communications
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Running Meetings & Presentations
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Leadership
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Create High Impact Business Reports (Here's How . . Series)
ASIN: 0844224863 |
Customer Reviews:
Easy, Simple Advice.......2007-09-26
The information in this guide is very simple to read and apply. The examples provided are of great help to illustrate the design concepts.
Book Description
How to Create High-Impact Business Presentations pulls together the key skills and techniques that will help you create powerful business presentations. With expert guidance on planning and organizing, building confidence, and taking and maintaining control, this book offers a wealth of ideas that will turn every speaking opportunity into a powerful and memorable event. A special focus on visual communication helps you master everything from using slides, handouts, and overheads to staging a full-scale, multimedia presentation. Complete and easy to follow. How to Create High-Impact Business Presentations will make you a star presenter.
Average customer rating:
- Lightweight
- Very little substance
- Great guide for actually making Powerpoint presentations
- PowerPoint: A Powerful Tool
- Competence and Confidence in a Paperback.
|
Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000: The Seven Steps to Creating High-Value, High-Impact PowerPoint Presentations
Stephen L. Nelson , and
Michael Buschmohle
Manufacturer: REDMOND TECHNOLOGY PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Entrepreneurship
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Running Meetings & Presentations
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Web Graphics
| Web Design
| Web Development
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Office 2000
| Applications
| Microsoft
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Design
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0967298148 |
Amazon.com
Microsoft PowerPoint is the standard tool for creating business and technical presentations, and familiarity with it can really bolster your ability to communicate effectively. But you can't rely on the software to organize information or do graphic design for you. Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000 distinguishes itself from other PowerPoint tutorials by combining information on how to use the program with advice on structuring presentations and organizing information to meet business goals. The writing seems clunky at times, and sometimes it's hard to visually distinguish general presentation advice (about vocal inflection, for example) from PowerPoint-specific instructions (such as how to animate text), but the overall package of information is worth absorbing.
Authors Stephen Nelson and Michael Buschmohle, after running through some key concepts and terms, outline a complete methodology for creating PowerPoint presentations. It's pretty standard stuff--outline, followed by insertion of graphs and images, followed by special effects--but they back it up with advice on how to speak convincingly and remain poised before a crowd. Text is the primary means of communicating all of this to you, which works fairly well considering the graphic nature of most of the information. Some readers will wish for a more graphical treatment of visual phenomena like transitions, however. --David Wall
Topics covered: Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 for people tasked with communicating information to customers and coworkers. Specific instructions appear for using Outline view, inserting tables and pictures, and storing styles as templates for future use. Additional sections deal with presentation strategies.
Book Description
Written specifically for busy executives, managers, and other professionals, Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000 walks you through the seven steps of creating high-value, high-impact presentations:
Step 1: Learn the Logic. Start here with an overview of what PowerPoint is and how it helps you make better presentations.
Step 2: Outline Your Content. Create a textual list, or outline, of the messages and points you want to share.
Step 3: Add Objects. Use tables, charts, and pictures to augment the information in your outline.
Step 4: Design Your Look. Move past the substance of your presentation and address its appearance and "look" to create a professional presentation.
Step 5: Add Special Effects. Use transitions, animation, sound, and video to enhance your presentation's impact.
Step 6: Prepare Your Presentation. Prepare by creating speaker's notes, rehearsing, producing any handouts, and tailoring your presentation's slides for the presentation method.
Step 7: Deliver Your Presentation. Deliver a successful, memorable presentation to your audience by comfortably using the appropriate PowerPoint tools.
More than just a book about Microsoft PowerPoint 2000, Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000 explains how to make effective, compelling presentations that audiences understand and remember.
Download Description
Written specifically for busy executives, managers, and other professionals, Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000 walks you through the seven steps of creating high-value, high-impact presentations.
Customer Reviews:
Lightweight.......2002-07-22
My goal for purchasing this book was to upgrade my PowerPoint skills, both in format as well as appearance. This book comes short on both accounts. I found this book to be aimed at someone that hasn't used PowerPoint or has little experience. Because this book has such little substance, you're time and money will be better spent perusing and referencing the help tool that comes PowerPoint rather than purchasing this book.
Very little substance.......2002-05-17
I bought this book as it has a catchy name and recommended by some. I expected the book will hold my hand and enable me to prepare killer presentations. Unfortunately, the book assumes that the reader is proficient in other MS Office applications and just glosses over the basic powerpoint menus that one can learn by exploring the application for couple of days. The book does not build any slide from A to Z, and topics have been presented in not so structured fashion. For example, import of charts and tables are discussed before text formatting. However, the book includes few tips for users during oral presentation, which was welcome.
Great guide for actually making Powerpoint presentations.......2001-01-05
I've used Powerpoint before but in this book I found several additional practical tips. I especially liked the 2 chapters on actually making the presentation so that you can be more successful as a presenter. I think for most people, this book would be all you needed.
PowerPoint: A Powerful Tool.......2000-12-08
The Effective Executive's Guide to PowerPoint 2000 will teach you more than how to create a captivating PowerPoint presentation; it will teach you how to be a good presenter. I was surprised by the how thorough the book was. The book goes through the different features of PowerPoint, such as adding in movies and sounds and adjusting timing, to the strengths and weaknesses of different kinds of charts. In addition the book has a good index to reference different parts of the book later.
Competence and Confidence in a Paperback........2000-10-24
It is refreshing to find a technical book that is usably complete without getting mired in minutiae. The instructions are direct and to the point. I also appreciate the focus on delivering outstanding presentations, not just the technical aspects of the software. I feel far more confident about my presentations than I have before.
Books:
- Powerful Conversations: How High Impact Leaders Communicate
- PowerPoint 2003 for Dummies
- Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment & Stock Prices
- Professional Community Server
- Public Relations Writing: Form and Style (with InfoTrac®)
- Retreats That Work: Everything You Need to Know About Planning and Leading Great Offsites (Pfeiffer Essential Resources for Training and HR Professiona)
- Retreats That Work: Everything You Need to Know About Planning and Leading Great Offsites (Pfeiffer Essential Resources for Training and HR Professiona)
- Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised in Brief (Roberts Rules of Order (in Brief))
- Secrets of Successful Speakers: How You Can Motivate, Captivate, and Persuade
- Send: The Essential Guide to Email for Office and Home
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Goodnight Moon
- The Shadow Trap
- I Have To Give A Presentation, Now What
- Macroeconomics and Active Graph CD Package
- Redesigning Distribution: Basic Income and Stakeholder Grants as Cornerstones for an Egalitarian Cap
- The Party of Death: The Democrats, the Media, the Courts, and the Disregard for Human Life
- Stop the Bad Service
- Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management: Twelve Drivers of Competitive Advantage
- Motivation in the Workplace: Inspiring Your Employees
- Mystic Mandrake
The Power of Alignment: How Great Companies Stay Centered and Accomplish Extraordinary Things
Fierce Conversations: Achieving Sucess at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time
Thin Book of Appreciative Inquiry (2nd edition) (Thin Book Series)
Leading Change
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most
