Book Description
The nation's premier communications expert shares his wisdom on how the words we choose can change the course of business, of politics, and of life in this countryIn Words That Work, Luntz offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the tactical use of words and phrases affects what we buy, who we vote for, and even what we believe in. With chapters like "The Ten Rules of Successful Communication" and "The 21 Words and Phrases for the 21st Century," he examines how choosing the right words is essential.Nobody is in a better position to explain than Frank Luntz: He has used his knowledge of words to help more than two dozen Fortune 500 companies grow. He'll tell us why Rupert Murdoch's six-billion-dollar decision to buy DirectTV was smart because satellite was more cutting edge than "digital cable," and why pharmaceutical companies transitioned their message from "treatment" to "prevention" and "wellness."If you ever wanted to learn how to talk your way out of a traffic ticket or talk your way into a raise, this book's for you.
Customer Reviews:
Books That Waste Time.......2007-10-23
Having heard Luntz interviewed on Talk Radio several times, I thought this might be just the book to give me insight into the word smithing that goes on behind the scenes in politics.
Unfortunately, Luntz' writing style is bland, droll, and boring. So much so, that the reader's mind wanders almost immediately.
Perhaps there was an unimaginable recovery after the first forty or so pages, but I find it highly unlikely.
In summation, when I finish a book I deliberately leave it where someone else can find and hopefully enjoy it. With Luntz' book, I threw it in the garbage.
Great Book.......2007-10-07
Frank Luntz does a great job of driving across that it's not what you say, it's what people hear. Although the book had a lot of political references, the lessons to effective language can be applied to any walk of life.
Luntz's "1984".......2007-09-30
If you want to know how you are being manipulated, Frank Luntz will tell you how he does it in his candid book.
Clear. Concise. Comprehensive........2007-09-28
Dr. Luntz illustrates his 10 Rules of Effective Language in the subtitle of his book Words that Work: It's Not What You Say, It's What People Hear. His 10-rule, 10-word system proves the power of language.
Disturbingly accurate examples show the impact and importance of language. What gets wired in us and why? What moves us emotionally? What makes us spend? What connects us? Words are ripples.
Lutz reveals how we get so caught up in words that we fail to communicate. Consider leaders who speak in alphabet soup and spoil our language and understanding.
Like fine embroidery, words follow design; and design is seen differently by everyone with eyes.
Using case studies as examples, Luntz makes points about how passage of time affects words, how disordered words can cause dissension and how new words shade new meanings.
Most of all, he states, what we say is who we are. He's right. Think about it.
Rebecca Jacoby, copywriter
www.afewchosenwords.com
www.beckyjacoby.com
Brevity as an Effective Communication Skill (would that it were!).......2007-09-10
Mr. Luntz sites brevity as an effective communication skill, yet he goes on and on and on with his examples and repeats himself throughout the book.
He uses the book as a vehicle to promote his Republican platforms, which is boring and annoying.
He is a little impressed with himself and is not afraid to share that with the reader. An especially distasteful example of this is his self-serving introduction about performing for Democrats and celebrities at Ariana Huffington's home.
He tries to imitate Steven Levitt's style of writing but he's just not that interesting or cool.
Amazon.com
Susan Scott believes that interpersonal difficulties--at work and at home--are a direct result of our inability to communicate well. Fierce Conversations is based on principles from her international consulting practice, in which she teaches executives how to conduct such exchanges more dynamically and ultimately more effectively, thereby improving the relationships they enjoy with their various dialogue partners "one conversation at a time." Using identifiable anecdotes from her experience to inspire and inform, along with a series of practical exercises designed to impart the requisite skills, Scott walks readers through the individual steps she's developed to build better associations through more robust and honest discourses. Addressing all aspects of the process, from several methods for listening more attentively to specific ways she's fashioned to confront and resolve issues "that stand between you and success," Scott offers the type of concrete advice and confidence-building counsel that should help even the most reticent improve their communication skills dramatically. --Howard Rothman
Book Description
The Wall Street Journal bestseller, now with new material.
The master teacher of positive change through powerful communication, Susan Scott wants her readers to succeed. To do that, she explains, one must transform everyday conversations employing effective ways to get the message across. In this guide, which includes exercises and tools to take you step by step through the Seven Principles of Fierce Conversations, Scott teaches readers how to:
€ Overcome barriers to meaningful communication
€ Expand and enrich conversations with colleagues, friends, and family
€ Increase clarity and improve understanding
€ Handle strong emotions-on both sides of the table
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding.......2007-08-24
Extremely useful in both personal and professional life. I've attended many classes & seminars in the last 30 years but still learned a host of valuable info. Highly recommended.
Very Engaging .......2007-08-14
I settled in for an average book with and interesting title about communication. What I recieved was an invitation to look in my life and my business for fierce conversations. As a trainer and a business coach communication is my my tool.Fierce Conversations gave me tools that work,ways to assess my progress and stories that assist me in seeing what would be possible in my business and in my life if I had authentic, direct conversations with people.If you have to pick one communication book this year, it's this one!
An Insightful and Very Informative Approach to Communicating.......2007-08-08
Fierce Conversations provides an opportunity for the reader to gain information while participating in a self-discovery process. It takes the idea of communicating thoughts and ideas to a new level and challenges us to think before speaking by considering the ramifications of what others will hear. We are reminded that any "single conversation can change the trajectory of a business, a career, a marriage or a life." This is an awesome statement and the author proved her point repeatedly through examples.
I am determined to address my most challenging "Mineral Rights conversation (you'll have to read the book to know what I mean) in the very near future. I will also recommend my writers' group members review this book as an example of quality writing that captures the audience, propels them to action, and encourages completion of task.
Transformational .......2007-05-19
Susan Scott has a way of getting to the heart of the communciations problem. People say what they think you want to hear, and they are rarely authentic because they are afraid to be. They are even afraid to be honest with themselves. An excellent read.
Connect Better.......2007-05-12
It is rare that I read a book cover to cover. I read lots of books; however, I find most books contain little or nothing new. Susan's book is different.
In my line of work, I am only as successful as my ability to connect with others. Having an arsenal of powerful questions and a strong framework for presenting are key to my success. Susan's book contains the best tools I have found to connect deeply with others.
Average customer rating:
- Common sense will get you just as far...
- For 88% of the population, a must read
- Fun, quick read
- Helped get me out of my shell.
- would make a good magazine article, but not a very good book.
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How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online
Susan RoAne
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Communications
| Skills
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Interpersonal Relations
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Parenting & Families
| Subjects
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Similar Items:
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What Do I Say Next?: Talking Your Way to Business and Social Success
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How to Create Your Own Luck: The You Never Know Approach to Networking, Taking Chances, and Opening Yourself to Opportunity
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RoAne's Rules: How to Make the Right Impression: Working the Room, or One-on-One,What to Say and How to Say It
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The Art of Mingling: Easy, Proven Techniques for Mastering Any Room
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How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less
ASIN: 0060957859 |
Book Description
Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers -- be it a business function, a meeting, or a cocktail party -- and felt uncomfortable? In the NEW How to Work a Room, " The Mingling Maven" Susan RoAne provides the tools and techniques for savy socializing in all situations so that you are comfortable in any room. She identifies the roadblocks that prevent us from meeting new people, developing new contacts, and establishing connections that build personal and professional relationships. Susan offers a practical remedy to overcome each roadblock. You will learn how to mix chutzpah with charm to start and end conversations smoothly, know when and how to use humor , and follow the simple rules of etiquette in an emerging manner. Incorporating a decade of feedback from hundreds of presentations, as well as the new chapters " How to Work A Virtual Room" and "How to Work the Techno Toy Room," How to Work a Room is a book that will change your life.
Customer Reviews:
Common sense will get you just as far..........2007-08-01
Most of the book contains common sense ideas for working a room, ideas in which the average person already inherently knows and will act on without reading this book. Half of the time I was busy looking up the Yiddish terms in the Glossary and the other half of the time the author is trying to sell herself (I don't have to hear that you sell out arenas five times!) and her other books. Good thing I wasn't depending on this book to get me through working a room any time soon.
For 88% of the population, a must read.......2007-04-07
If you are like me, one of the 88% of the people who say they are shy, Susan Roane's "How to Work a Room" is a good start to learning socializing skills. Without a doubt, going to a social event and working a room effectively, is a challenge for most people. But with Roane's guide, the reader learns interesting and effective techniques to turn one's shyness into someone comfortable in a social setting.
While some of this book deals with matters that are not necessarilly important, there are some valuable techniques. From being a "host" rather than a "guest" at a party, to creating appropriate introductions, there are a host of tips. One of the best sections, at least for myself, is the section on manners.... from cell phone usage, to how and what kind of jokes to tell. For the amount of times I have been at a function and thought someone was rude or acting inappropriately, it is certainly valuable... and gives hope for those of us who were expected to use proper manners.
As a how to guide, covering all topics, Susan Roane's book is excellent. There were sections that I wish she has discussed in greater detail, but I think detail was sacrificed to cover all topics. As a starting point however, for someone like myself looking to become more effective in a social setting, it is a good starting point.
One of the effective parts of the book are the summaries at the end of each chapter, highlighting the do's and donts of socializing. They are handy and useful for brushing up on the key points of the chapter. Also, at the end of the book, the The Gospel According to Roane: The Ten Commandments of Connecting (Though Shalt Prepare, Thous Shalt Attend) is probably worth copying and revisiting every so often
Be aware however, as with anything, all of her tips and ideas ultimately rely on you. No magic bullets. As she says in at the end of her book, what you are required to have in order to make you socializing work is to be courteous, be chanrming, and have some Chutzpah. Of course, this is easier said than done.
Fun, quick read.......2006-12-20
This is a great book for a confidence booster, but the truth is that it deals more or less with etiquette as opposed to strategy for improving your interpersonal communication skills. For the 5 hours that it takes to read it, the book is worth the purchase, but it offers little insight as to how to overcome shyness, garner fortitude, and make the contacts you want at receptions and events you attend.
This book is likely most valuable for people hosting receptions and mixers. RoAne offers a refresher course on how to properly introduce guests to one another, what not to say/ask/do to individuals you meet at a given event, etc. Essentially this book is a lesson in good manners which should precede any book on networking.
Helped get me out of my shell........2006-08-06
This is a good book for someone who can act on things. I was shy most of my life and worked hard to earn a degree from a good school only to fear talking to people so
I sent back to work in a factory. I did not know how to switch gears and mix in a business setting or others where I did not know people. It really hurt and I was determined to get over this. I found this book over 12 years ago and really took it to heart and figured that I would try to do some of the things the author was talking about and just kept building for there. If you can learn from book and try to act on them within reason when you do not have the answers yourself then this book might help you. I give it to my up and coming staff as part of their development if I think it will help them in social/business setting. While I still have a big shy side no one reallyknows it unless I tell them and I speak on a pretty regualr basis to various business and other groups.
would make a good magazine article, but not a very good book. .......2006-01-12
There are many pages that are just completely wasted.
Book Description
Ask the successful CEOs of major corporations, entrepreneurs, top salespeople, and pastors what characteristic is most needed for success in leadership positions, and they'll tell you-it's the ability to work with people.
Some people are born with great relationship skills, but those who are not can learn to improve them. In
Winning with People Maxwell has translated decades of experience into 25 People Principles that anyone can learn.
Maxwell has divided the People Principles in this book according to the questions we must ask ourselves if we want to win with people:
- Readiness: Are we prepared for relationships?
- Connection: Are we willing to focus on others?
- Trust: Can we build mutual trust?
- Investment: Are we willing to invest in others?
- Synergy: Can we create a win-win relationship?
Each section contains guiding People Principles. Some are intuitive, such as
The Lens Principle: Who We Are Determines How We See Others. Others may go against your instincts, such as
The Confrontation Principle: Caring for People Should Precede Confronting People. All of them are 100 percent practical!
Customer Reviews:
This book makes so much sense!.......2007-08-24
I always thought the "Golden Rule" was to treat others how you want to be treated, but Maxwell's interesting take was that we should treat others how "they" want to be treated. It makes sense! Awesome read and practical application.
If Bob is being ganged up on the problem is with Bob? No. Not nice........2007-08-08
There were some wonderful passages in this book. I took special note of his passage on how to forgive. But the first chapter - that says that if Bob has a problem with everyone Bob has the problem - has been soundly disproved by research in criminology and abuse.
Immature people gang up on people, for no good reason except for that they can get away with it, studies have proved. If everyone has a problem with Bob, we don't blame Bob. That's heartless and experts have a name for it: victim victimization.
Immature people try to reduce others for no other reason than to raise themselves. The good ones - the skilled abusers - will talk behind the back of the person they are trying to power over to garner support when their own actions don't work.
Moreover, immature people will hurt others in order to say, "Look at me! I get along with people better than you." It is a well known characteristic of immaturity that has made its way into all the literature on emotional abuse.
Mature people don't join in the hurt. So if everyone is against Bob something is wrong with everyone, not Bob.
Immature people - teachers, managers, parents - will take the easy way out of a conflict and confront the easiest one to confront. If everyone is ganging up on Bob it's a lot easier to confront Bob and say that he has the problem.
But it is really very cruel... isn't it?
Despite this there were some nice things to be learned. Just beware.
Not-So-Common Common Sense.......2007-03-21
Like all John Maxwell books, this book is full of some not-so-common common sense that will improve your relationships and leadership skills if you take the author's advice to heart. This book is simple and straightforward, making it easy to read and understand. The principles described in this book focus specifically on communicating, working with, learning from, and investing in others. What may be the most helpful aspect of the book is the series of questions Maxwell poses to at the end of each chapter to help the reader ponder and reflect where they stand on a particular attribute or skill. The ideas are not necessarily new, but they are wise. Stories and quotes from other people's lives are sprinkled throughout Maxwell's own thoughts and experiences, creating a well-rounded narrative as to how to improve yourself. The bottom line is this: No matter what we do or why we do it, life is about people, and this book will help you do whatever you do better.
Should have owned this book a couple of years ago!.......2007-03-13
I just finished reading this book and I can't be thankful enough to JCM for inspiring me to change my approach on people and to myself. Even if most of them are plain common sense, JCM makes it inspiring and absorbing to the reader like me. He aims to keep reminding people to be always nice to others without expecting anything much in return. If only I read this book 2 or 3 years ago, who knows how much I've improved socially today! But just like what he said here, don't dig the past and regret them. We just need to focus on the present and start changing! Kudos to John Maxwell!
Simple, Practical Advice About Relationships.......2006-12-22
This is one of those simple, yet practical books about how to succeed in life by simply taking care of your relationships. The author proposes, and I agree, that when it comes down to it, relationships are what really matter. If your relationships suffer, you suffer. If your relationships are great, you won't despair life.
The book is broken down into five major sections; 1) preparing for relationships, 2) obtaining the correct focus, 3) building trust, 4) maintaining the relationship, and 5) growing together with those you have solid relationships with.
This book is very easy to read and understand (about 6 hours). Of course, as any book of this genre, the application is the tough part, but this author makes each of the lessons simple enough that it doesn't take an extraordinary amount of effort to actually apply. Even if you just follow half, or a third, you'll be much better off than where you are today.
This book is applicable for a spouse (male or female), a budding young business person, or an old codgy badger. The content here will help you more than intelligence ever will.
Customer Reviews:
Clear and Concise Information You Can Use.......2006-10-10
I took a webinar based on this book and found the information presented intriguing enough to buy the book. It's a short read but filled with good, practical information. If there are certain people in your lives who rub you the wrong way, understanding how their style differs from yours could help to improve communication and make the relationship more effective and pleasant for both. This book was definitely worth reading and I've experienced benefits from it at work in a very short time.
Must read for every one..........2005-07-09
Of the several books I have studied on similar topics, this was one of the easiest to read through and apply. Although the title says People Styles at Work, it is equally applicable in personal life as well. The focus on studying behavior and inferring "style" from the same is much easier accomplished than trying to figure out the "temprament style" based on Myers Briggs.
The two dimensions of Assertiveness and Responsiveness, and the concept of above / below the middle for each of these dimensions gives 4 quadrants; one for each of the styles. This makes it convenient to understand the 4 styles, and also the shades within the styles.
I have benefited tremendously - if you are new to this topic it will serve you well to take notes as you read; create a cheat sheet of the characteristics for each style. Then for some time carry the cheat sheet with you, and refer to it often as you observe people's behaviors. Over a period of time, you will pickup the nuances of how to recognize the styles, and succeed in your interactions with others - despite them, and despite yourself... Enjoy!
you have to read it !.......2005-04-26
the book is simple and the ideas are easy to applicate in the every day life , i've tried the method and have good results - Read it if you have problem to communicate with some of your colleagues and you need to work with them
Could save your sanity, and maybe your job!.......2003-11-13
Highly recommended. Several years ago, I had a clash of personal styles between my boss and me. I thought she talked like a kindergarten teacher, and she felt that I came on like a steamroller. She was familiar with the methods discussed in this book, although she learned them during a seminar at a former employer. This book helped turn a bad working relationship into an excellent working relationship, and may have saved my job. I learned to "flex" to my boss's style (and to her credit, she flexed somewhat to mine). I reread the book from time to time and try to practice what I've learned. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is running into "people problems" on the job or elsewhere.
A method that really makes a difference in the workplace!.......2003-01-15
One the best book and method on the subject I have read so far, and I have read quite a few. There are 4 main Communication Styles, and the best thing is that only observable behaviors are used to categorize people in one style or another. No messing around with people's phsyche, and finally a very simple method to effectively relate to other people in the workplace.
I am using Communication Styles with all my direct reports, during meetings, etc. It allows me to convey clearly my messages, and at the same time overcome communication styles differences. This simple method does makes a difference in my daily work not only as a manager but also in communicating with my peers.
This book is a must have in your management library at home.
Book Description
Studies show that U.S. companies lose approximately $75 billion annually on failed or mismanaged projects. Avoid the many pitfalls and deliver projects on time, within budget, and of the scope and quality desired by the client, with a highly successful tool called the Statement of Work (SOW).
In Delivering Project Excellence with the Statement of Work, author Michael Martin explains what an SOW is ... how it's developed and used on a project to establish a baseline, develop pricing, and measure changes and profitability ... and how to communicate and sell the importance of the SOW to the client and your own organization.
Included with this book is a bonus CD-ROM with sample SOWs, templates, and forms to help you manage change to the project throughout its life cycle. This is a must-have book for every project leader, manager, team member, or client.
Customer Reviews:
Solid Book !.......2004-11-17
Mr. Martin did a magnificent job explaining what an SOW is and when it should be created. He also explains in detail the creation of an SOW and how it applies to the government and private business sectors. If you are familiar with SOW's you can skip Chapters 1-3 and dive into Chapter 4. I strongly recommend Chapter 5-7.
Chapter 1: Defining the Statement of Work
Historical Perspective on the SOW
Industry Standard Definition of the SOW
Definition of the SOW in the New Economy
Chapter 2: The Importance of the SOW in Managing Projects
Reasons for Having a SOW
Benefits of the SOW
Chapter 3: When to Do an SOW
Consequences of Lack of Guidance for the Private Sector
When an SOW Should Be Done
Types of SOW's and When They Apply
Chapter 4: Who Should Develop the SOW
Building the TIGER Team
Building the Cone of Cohesion
Chapter 5: Building the SOW foundation
Performing Due Diligence
Building the WBS
Chapter 6: Framing the SOW
Developing the SOW Framework
Structure of the Baseline SOW framework
Chapter 7: Finalizing the SOW
Drafting a Quality SOW
Role of the SOW in Pricing the Project
Reviewing the SOW
Role of the SOW in the Contract
Chapter 8: Sample SOW's
(this chapter breaks down the examples included on the CD)
Chapter 9: Managing Change to the SOW
The importance of Managing Change
Identifying When a Change Occurs
Factors to Consider in Managing Changes to the Project
Tools for Managing Change to the Project
Chapter 10: Selling the Importance and Benefits of the SOW
I would have preferred a variety of SOWS on the included CD giving examples of different types of projects. The templates that are included on CD were helpful. I was able to immediately use the template for one of my projects. I was very satisfied with my purchase.
Book Description
An authoritative manual that provides valuable insights for turning conflicts in the workplace into productive working relationships. The toughest part of any job is dealing with the people around you. Scratch the surface of any company and you'll uncover a hotbed of emotions -- people feeling anxious about performance, angry at co-workers, and misunderstood by management. Now, in Working With You is Killing Me, readers learn how to "unhook" from these emotional pitfalls and gain valuable strategies for confronting workplace conflicts in a healthy, productive way. Discover how to: - Manage an ill-tempered boss before he or she explodes - Defend yourself against idea-pilfering rivals before they steal all the credit - Detach from those annoying co-workers whose irritating habits ruin the day
Customer Reviews:
Just keeps giving.......2007-07-12
This is a book that just keeps giving. I bought it quite a while ago and really did not read it right away --- but ultimately I read the whole thing -- and I must admit I found myself appearing again and again in the descriptions.
But what really is great about this book is that if you just leave it on the coffee table or something like that, then you will find yourself picking it up and randomly looking at a chapter here and a chapter there -- and guess what -- it will all be relevant (if you are being honest with yourself). You will find yourself, your peers, coworkers, and your life.
Worth having.
Surprisingly helpful from an accidental reader.......2007-05-20
My wife bought the book and I was sceptical when I first saw it. I accidentally left it on a low table and our puppy picked it up and shredded most of the first chapter. I bought another copy from Amazon to replace the damaged copy. As I tried to repair the torn pages a few words caught my attention and after that I could not put it down. Take it from an initial sceptic that this book has very helpful suggestions and practical advice that you can readily apply. I highly recommend this book to anybody who is working.
Pop-Psychology.......2007-05-14
This book was assigned reading for a "Leadership" in business class. The first two chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. Read those, and the rest will be just variations on the same theme. I now use the book as a doorstop.
Smart Advice.......2007-05-12
As a veteran of the corporate world, I found the case studies and recommended solutions to common workplace snafus right on target. Best of all, the authors urge individuals to find out their options and own their decisions. In other words, no need to be the victim of an unhealthly work relationship. Hope is out there for those who can take a step back and not get tangled up in other person's bad behavior!
Disappointed.......2007-04-13
With all the glowing reviews, I thought this book would have something new and innovative, something I hadn't heard before. No such luck. Some interesting strategies and tactics for dealing with difficult people and see how you might be contributing to the problem, but nothing you won't find in other books on the subject.
I eventually gave up before finishing the CD because of the lack of anything new and I got tired of listen to the authors :-(
Book Description
This best-selling text is more than a comprehensive introduction for the business writing course; it also serves as a post-college reference tool for students launching their careers. Successful Writing at Work takes a practical approach to prepare students for the wide array of communication tasks they will face on the job. The text is recognized for its abundance of realistic situations and problems, broad range of real-world examples, and detailed guidelines for drafting, editing, and producing professional documents and graphics.
To facilitate learning, the text is organized into four sections that build logically and sequentially. Part 1 introduces the basics: keys to effective writing, ethics, the writing process, and collaborative writing. Part 2 explores such simple business writing tasks as memos, types of business letters, emails, and how to conduct a job search. Part 3 covers the fine points of conducting research and documenting sources. Part 4 details more complex business communication activities, from designing visuals and web sites to writing proposals, drafting short and long reports, and making oral presentations.
- New! Updated technology coverage includes researching with electronic and online resources; writing for the web; creating visually effective web sites; using computer programs such as PowerPoint and Corel Draw to enhance oral presentations; and learning new technologies that continue to change the way people communicate in the workplace.
- New! Added writing instruction covers how to prepare news releases in the chapter on Summarizing Material, and instructions for policies and regulations in the chapter on Writing Instructions. The Documenting Sources chapter features up-to-date coverage of MLA and APA documentation styles.
- New! Up-to-date, thought-provoking approaches to business writing include enhanced coverage of thinking globally and multiculturally when communicating in various business contexts and engaging new real-world examples that demonstrate the kinds of situations students will face on the job.
- New and Updated! Tech Notes throughout the text show students how technology can be used in various types of business communication.
- This edition retains the text's hallmark features: strong coverage of the writing process, ethics in the workplace, and audience analysis and writing for various audiences.
- Assignments and descriptions put students in a workplace mindset by asking them to imagine themselves in such roles as a customer service representative, web site designer, or job candidate.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent writing tool.......2002-04-03
Whether you are a novice at writing or just need help wording documents, this book is a wonderful guide. Samples are plenty, complete from determining who is your audience to effective guidelines and checksheets. You will learn simple editing techniques, exercises for practice. Extensive guidelines are given whether you do a resme, letter, research, short and long reports, proposal, charts, etc. Included, also is some instruction on technical writing (manuals, visuals, figures, etc.)
The book is well prepared, easy to read, formatted and designed well for easy reference. You don't have to be a "writer" to use this book. It is for anyone who may write a memo to a proposal in business. I encourage the use of this book; as it is one of the better I have used. ....MzRizz
Book Description
This self-directed program teaches readers to speak up and say what they mean at work and at home. Written supportively, it uses proven cognitive behavioral techniques to help individuals build self-confidence, set boundaries, and determine appropriate responses.
Customer Reviews:
BUY IT NOW!.......2007-06-17
If you're reading this review, you probably suspect that you have a problem with assertiveness, so take the first step towards improving your life by purchasing this book. If you have a problem saying no to unreasonable requests, if your legitimate and reasonable requests for what you need are repeatedly denied, ignored, or trivialized, if you feel surrounded by manipulative, controlling people, if you have been in a long-term verbally abusive relationship, if you are easily intimidated by aggressive people, or even if you're just mildly curious, this book will be invaluable to you. It's not just a quick read, though. It has thought-provoking exercises to help you determine why you have difficulty asserting yourself as well as practice exercises to prepare you to be assertive when the need arises. Even if you don't think you need improvement, this book is a great resource on communication.
Clearly to the point.......2007-05-12
Excellent resource for how to deal with PA's and others-the book's no nonsense approach (yes, it's hard to change and yes your significants others will resist you), exercises, and examples give you inspiration without alot of nonsense and over the top 'you can do it' every paragraph.
Accessible and easily readable, this practical guide will help you get what you need or establish your personal boundaries without all the new age style rhetoric.
Excellent!.......2007-02-18
This book is by far the most helpful book I've ever read. It is very informative, but in plain words that almost anyone can understand. The exercises it suggests really do help. I'm only half-way through it, but I've already made significant changes in my behavior. It really helped me understand the different communication styles and how to tweak my style to make me more satisfied with my communication with others. It's so simple to do! I've always been lazy about change or given up too early, but this truly couldn't be any easier.
Good enough to write a review.......2006-11-22
I had reached a point where I needed to learn how to assert myself and stop being miserable in certain situations. This book helped me take action and understand how to react when confronted. If you feel that you are in need of some "tools" this is a great book.
A portable behavior coach .......2005-03-14
Being a passive personality, I went looking for some kind of guidance after a recent confrontation. It goes through many basic terms and concepts of human relationships and behavior. The author wants us to understand assertiveness before trying to put new ways of thinking into practice. The important part of the author's lesson is reminding us that assertiveness is part of a person's behavior but is not the person. It builds up to the ten steps of preparing for a confrontation. The written exercises are useful, the diagrams and check boxes not so much. Some terms were basic but many times when things are not working right, we have to be reminded of the basics. Personally, I would not choose to use the assertiveness scorecards in my regular day-to-day routine. It goes over what a DESO script, Describe, Express, Script, Outcome; could mean to anybody's personal and work relationships. How one can change a few steps in giving criticism to create positive feedback. The Assertiveness workbook makes you take a breath, and think before speaking. Clear, easy-to-read, straight-to-the-point chapters are there to help when needed.
Book Description
Why is the gap so great between our hopes, our intentions, even our decisions-and what we are actually able to bring about? Even when we are able to make important changes-in our own lives or the groups we lead at work-why are the changes are so frequently short-lived and we are soon back to business as usual? What can we do to transform this troubling reality?
In this intensely practical book, Harvard psychologists Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey take us on a carefully guided journey designed to help us answer these very questions. And not just generally, or in the abstract. They help each of us arrive at our own particular answers that can solve the puzzling gap between what we intend and what we are able to accomplish. How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work provides you with the tools to create a powerful new build-it-yourself mental technology.
Download Description
With an inspiring mix of organizational analysis, worksheets, and sample dialogues, the authors of this revolutionary new technology for personal learning, leadership, and organizational change, show how all managers and executives are actually leading "language communities". The workplace, they reveal, is a community where certain ways of talking are encouraged and others made apparently impossible. But by using the seven new workplace "languages" presented in this book to reveal the underlying feelings and motivation in one-to-one and group discussion at work, leaders can concentrate individual and social energy to transform communication and culture in the workplace.
Customer Reviews:
A simple and profound method for achievement.......2007-02-17
This book presents a simple worksheet to help you analyze your resistance to change. Once completed, you will understand the inner conflicts that hinder your personal and professional development despite your best intentions. Of course, simply understanding these conflicts isn't enough, so the authors present methods to understand the usefulness of your resistance, eliminate your judgement around it, and harness its power for change.
This method has helped me overcome my greatest dissatisfaction at work and I've experienced amazing results. I must warn, however, that despite being simple it entails quite a bit of self observation and continued effort. But this in itself is a huge asset.
I highly recommend this book for anybody experiencing even the slightest dissatisfaction at work or in life.
Finally Understanding Change Resistance as Useful Information.......2006-07-11
Imagine getting so much perspective on habits you're not happy about that you can actually keep your commitments to yourself. Using language structure as both the diagnostic and the cure, Kegan and Lahey offer up a fresh guide to creating sustainable change.
While it is designed to be used for workplace issues, it can also be used in other aspects of life. This book is clear, well-written, and so easily accessible it can even be used as a workbook. In fact the authors recommend a study group, and give clear steps to applying the model and specific case studies of participants who have successfully used it to create change. The significant difference between this and all other "managing change" books is a respectful recognition of competing commitments. That is, we don't need to conquer resistance, we need to understand it as a legitimate and experienced based reluctance designed for self-protection. Only then can the source and the solution be brought to light. This way of thinking is a treasure.
A great break down of common problems.......2005-08-02
I love the analysis of the way we communicate breaks down common misconceptions. This book shows the things that create negative responses and reactions. I think that while it shows ways to change, very few people actually change. I plan to use these concepts with my employees and see if it has an impact. My supervisor told me about this and advised trying it out with a partner first. I can see ways that I and others I work with fall into patterns that can be changed.
Judy
Superb treatment of the subject.......2002-07-02
The authors do a wonderful job of tying the science of languages and communication to the business of work and life. Filled with great examples from the world, it is easy to understand and digest.
Recommend also: "The Leader's Guide: 15 Essential Skills" (Ponder) and "7 Habits" (Covey)
Like a mirror to see yourself in.......2002-06-22
This book does for business leaders and their teams what the 7 Habits (Covey) did for individuals back in the 90s, but it goes a step forward: it's packed with case studies. I won't add to the discussion about the Seven Languages for Transformation, since my fellow reviewers have already gone into extensive detail about them. The key concept that the book left me was the idea of diving into conflicts to have them "solve" you, as opposed to running away from them or trying to solve them. The basis for this idea has to do with the learning opportunities that a conflict has to offer, and the opportunities of self-discovery to dig out blatant inconsistencies between what we say we care about and what our language and actions actually shows.
Overall, the book is a very easy read, whether you do it in order to seriously implement its suggested methodology (and it is one serious set of ideas it carries) or just as a mirror to help you laugh at your so-called professional commitments.
Books:
- WORDS THAT WORK: IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT'S WHAT PEOPLE HEAR
- Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-By-Step Resource for Clear Communication
- Writing That Works: Communicating Effectively on the Job
- Your Complete Retirement Planning Road Map: The Leave-Nothing-to-Chance, Worry-Free, All-Systems-Go Guide
- 7 Steps to Better Written Policies and Procedures
- A Handbook of Job Aids
- Action Inquiry: The Secret of Timely and Transforming Leadership
- AP Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law (Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law)
- Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking (8th Edition)
- Beautiful Evidence
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