Kerry Patterson
In this podcast, I talk with Kerry Patterson, co-author of the landmark book, Crucial Conversations. The first edition of the book, which sold 2 million copies, changed how we communicate at work and in our personal lives. Now, the book has been completely updated, with new research, case studies, and tools that you can use to make your high stakes conversations go more smoothly.
Patterson and I talk about why crucial conversations can be so tough–part of the problem is the hard wiring humans are born with. And we discuss how to keep a crucial conversation on track, especially when emotions run high. We also talk about how simple changes to our language can keep a crucial conversation moving in the right direction.
Podcast Summary: How to Share a Tough Message
When you have a tough message to share, STATE your path:
- Share your facts: Start with the least controversial, most persuasive elements from your Path to Action.
- Tell your story: Explain what you’re beginning to conclude.
- Ask for others’ paths: Encourage others to share their facts and stories.
- Talk tentatively: Tell it as a story–don’t disguise it as a fact.
- Encourage testing: Make it safe for others to express differing points of view.
Adapted from Crucial Conversations, by Kerry Patterson, et al.
You can find out more about Kerry Patterson and his work at www.crucialconversations.com.
You might also be interested in these articles on the subject of Crucial Conversations:
Achieve Flawless Execution by Addressing Crucial Problems
Working with Difficult Leaders
Bridging the Gap between Performance and Expectation
Podcast run time: 14:03
Intro music exluna by Jakub Koter
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Stay in Touch