Leadership and the Art of Conversation: Conversation as a Management Tool

by Kim H. Krisco

Book Overview

We speak. We listen. We chat. Lots of people know how to talk--but few know how to "really" communicate. Conversation is the most powerful yet underutilized tool at a managers command. If managers change the way they talk to people, they can become much more than effective managers--they can become great leaders. "Leadership and the Art of Conversation" by Kim Krisco is a unique book that approaches the subject of conversation step by step. First...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761510303
• ISBN13: 9780761510307
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (CA)
• Length: 203 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 4.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

It helps me understand and influence people everyday

This book is an easy read and has step by step techniques that are easy to use. It focuses on understanding distinctions of why people say something and then tries to help put it in a catagory that you can handle with a leadership decision to motivate and coach. Many times I was able glean powerful tools off just one page. I am just finishing my first year as a successful sales manager. Thank you Kim

You need not be a manager to read this gem!

Don't let the first chapter discourage you from reading this amazing book. Although written with managers in mind anyone can benefit from its wise statements. Krisco delivers all he promises in his introduction. You will learn about listening filters, coaching others, couching your ideas so that people will listen. This book is full of insights and pithy sayings that will make you reflect upon your whole life not just your work life. You will learn to understand the "little voice" in your head and learn about listening filters. This book will make you a leader. A leader is described by Krisco as someone who consistently produces extraordiny results. I just completed reading this book and intend to revisit it many more times. I highly recommend this extraordinary work!

Excellent

This is a well thought out book. Most of its information is practical and useful. It takes a bit of time and work to begin to apply the material. Overall, the book's strength lies in its simplicity without becoming a cheesy "1,2,3" type book.

excellent, engauging and very useful

First of all, the book makes you aware of the "distinctions" and it is a powerful tool in managing communication. The next is the concept of shifting your emphasis from the "past" to "future" and then to "present", to enable effective actions and change in behaviour. This is a practiceable, effective tool that managers or team leaders can use and establish good control on conversational situations. The mere awareness of different possibilities itself can enhance one's competitiveness.

Explains how leaders can make progress through conversation.

I can't stand our staff meetings!! They drive me to distraction. This book has helped me to understand why. Go-no-where conversations both one-on-one and in groups are a terrible waste of time. It has given me practical guidance on how to shift the focus of these meetings from the past, to future possibilities and then back to the present where real action can be taken. It has helped to clarify many things that should be obvious but aren't. For example, something as simple as understanding how to properly frame a "request" and knowing the only three valid "responses" to the request is invaluable. I'm not letting people off the hook so easily anymore.