Avoiding a Difficult Conversation? New Book from Clearwater Consulting Group Shares Tips for Tackling the Most Prevalent Difficult Conversations at Work
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) April 15, 2014 -- Tough Talk, by Andrea Hopke and Becky Dannenfelser, shares insights and tips for tackling some of the most prevalent and difficult conversations in the corporate/business world. The 10 tips outlined in this book present practical actions that not only prepare the reader for a specific conversation, but also build their self-awareness: an essential ingredient for leadership development.
Hopke and Dannenfelser co-principals of Clearwater Consulting Group, are experts in developing leaders within corporations and helping nurture cultures in which directness, candor, problem solving and resolution can occur. “Most of us do not believe we are skilled at tackling tough conversations. We delay until the situation festers and no amount of diplomacy can save us,” says Hopke.
Dannenfelser adds, “Given that the need to have challenging conversations is pervasive, everyone needs to develop this necessary skill. Tough Talk guides the reader to easily prepare for the most common difficult conversations in today’s business environment.”
Disagreements or conflicting views can occur in any direction within an organization—with superiors; peers or colleagues; direct reports or staff; or with customers and clients. Through the research and case studies shared in Tough Talk, the reader will learn:
• The most common difficult conversations at work
• The negative impact of delaying and avoiding these conversations
• Realistic tips to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome
In addition, Tough Talk provides the reader with downloadable tools to prepare for difficult conversations.
Andrea Hopke helps clients understand the social dynamics of groups and the role individuals and teams can play in driving positive results throughout a company during times of change. With a master’s degree in social psychology, Hopke is gifted at clearly assessing the current situation and then partnering with her clients to develop unique content and approaches. An enthusiastic and talented facilitator, her work encourages real learning to occur across managerial levels in a variety of industries including healthcare, technology, and retail. With decades of experience co-leading services organizations in consulting and strategic market research and planning, she brings a practical approach to the real work of implementing sustainable solutions.
Becky Dannenfelser held key senior and vice president executive positions during her 24-year tenure in corporate positions including Federated Department Stores with positions at Macy’s, Federated Merchandising Group, and Burdine’s. Becky was a team member and adviser of Federated’s Leadership Institute in the development of the merchant leadership model, and served on Federated’s Leadership Advisory Council for high potentials.
Both Hopke and Dannenfelser are authorities on effective leadership development in the workplace. They are graduates of The Coaches Training Institute, an International Coach Federation (ICF) accredited program; Registered Corporate Coaches through the World Association of Business Coaches (WABC); certified in DiSC for individual assessment; experienced using 360 feedback for developing high-functioning teams and leaders; and certified in Team Coaching International’s Team Diagnostic.
Tough Talk ($10.99, 126 pages, 5 x 7, paperback, ISBN: 978-0-9916085-0-8) is available on Amazon. Bulk orders with free shipping and other discounts are available at http://www.clearwater-consulting.com/books/toughtalk.
For more information, visit http://www.clearwater-consulting.com.
Andrea Hopke, Clearwater Consulting Group, http://www.clearwater-consulting.com/books/toughtalk, +1 404-634-4332, [email protected]
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