Difficult Conversations

In 'Difficult Conversations,' Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen unravel the complexities of tough dialogues that we often shy away from. The authors provide a groundbreaking framework for tackling conversations filled with conflict, emotion, and uncertainty. With practical tools and real-life examples, readers learn to navigate their feelings and the perspectives of others, leading to more constructive outcomes. This transformative guide empowers individuals to turn potentially damaging exchanges into opportunities for connection and understanding. Prepare to reshape your approach to communication and discover the art of engaging in the conversations you’ve always dreaded.

By Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen

Published: 2010

"The biggest barrier to effective communication is not lack of information, but the fear of how to express our thoughts and feelings honestly without escalation."

Difficult ConversationsBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

The 10th-anniversary edition of the New York Times business bestseller-now updated with "Answers to Ten Questions People Ask" We attempt or avoid difficult conversations every day-whether dealing with an underperforming employee, disagreeing with a spouse, or negotiating with a client. From the Harvard Negotiation Project, the organization that brought you Getting to Yes, Difficult Conversations provides a step-by-step approach to having those tough conversations with less stress and more success. you'll learn how to: · Decipher the underlying structure of every difficult conversation · Start a conversation without defensiveness · Listen for the meaning of what is not said · Stay balanced in the face of attacks and accusations · Move from emotion to productive problem solving

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Difficult Conversations

About the Authors

B

Bruce Patton

Bruce Patton is a renowned author and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution, best known for his seminal works, including 'Getting to Yes' and 'Negotiating Rationally'. His writing often combines insights from behavioral economics with practical negotiation strategies, making complex concepts accessible to both professionals and general readers. Patton's engaging and clear prose has made significant contributions to the fields of negotiation and interpersonal communication, establishing him as a leading voice among negotiation practitioners and educators.

D

Douglas Stone

Douglas Stone is a renowned author and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. He is best known for his influential works, which include the bestselling title "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most," co-authored with Sheila Heen and Bruce Patton. Stone's writing style is characterized by its clarity, practical insights, and an engaging approach that combines storytelling with actionable strategies. Through his extensive research and experience, he helps readers navigate challenging conversations and foster understanding in both personal and professional contexts.

S

Sheila Heen

Sheila Heen is a prominent author, speaker, and expert in negotiation and conflict resolution. She is best known for her influential books, including "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most" (co-authored with Douglas Stone and Bruce Patton) and "Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well" (co-authored with Douglas Stone). Heen's writing style is characterized by clarity and practical insights, drawing on extensive research and real-world experiences. As a faculty member at Harvard Law School and a co-founder of a consulting firm, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate challenging conversations and improve communication.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen
Published
November 2010
Publisher
Penguin
ISBN
0143118447
Language
English
Pages
351
Genres
Self-HelpProfessional CommunicationCommunicationConflict Resolution

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your HumanityBook binding

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity

Kim Scott

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They CommunicateBook binding

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate

Peter Wohlleben

The Soul of DisciplineBook binding

The Soul of Discipline

Kim John Payne

Parenting with PresenceBook binding

Parenting with Presence

Susan Stiffelman, MFT

The Secret Life of the Unborn ChildBook binding

The Secret Life of the Unborn Child

Dr. Thomas Verny, John Kelly

The Autobiography of Benjamin FranklinBook binding

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

Radical CandorBook binding

Radical Candor

Kim Scott

Nonviolent CommunicationBook binding

Nonviolent Communication

Marshall B. Rosenberg

Showing 8 of 28 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster's Book Recommendations

Emily Oster is an economist and professor at Brown University, known for her data-driven approach to parenting. She is the author of popular books like Expecting Better and Cribsheet, where she uses economics to debunk common parenting myths and offer evidence-based advice. Emily’s research empowers parents to make informed decisions based on data rather than societal pressure. Her approachable style has made her a favorite among modern parents seeking clarity in an overwhelming information landscape. She continues to challenge conventional wisdom with a focus on making parenting less stressful.

View Collection
Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert's Book Recommendations

Jan Losert is a visionary author and digital design expert, renowned for his contributions to the intersection of technology and creativity. His most significant work includes co-authoring "Design Systems Handbook," which has become a seminal guide for creating cohesive and efficient design frameworks. Losert's expertise extends to his role as a speaker and educator, where he passionately shares his insights on user experience and interface design. In addition to his literary achievements, he co-founded several successful startups, leveraging his deep understanding of design to drive innovation. His work continues to influence and inspire both emerging and established designers worldwide.

View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations

Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.

View Collection
Jake Knapp's Book Recommendations

Jake Knapp's Book Recommendations

Jake Knapp is an author, designer, and creator of the Design Sprint process, a five-day method for solving complex problems and testing new ideas through prototyping. Knapp developed the Sprint process while working at Google Ventures, where it was used to help startups rapidly iterate and improve their products. He later co-authored the book Sprint, which has become a go-to resource for teams looking to streamline their creative processes and get better results in less time. Knapp's work focuses on productivity, creativity, and collaboration, with a particular emphasis on helping people do more meaningful work in shorter timeframes. His innovative approach to problem-solving has been adopted by companies worldwide, from small startups to large enterprises. In addition to his work on Sprints, Knapp is also a speaker and consultant, helping teams and organizations implement better practices for innovation and productivity. His work emphasizes the importance of focus, experimentation, and rapid feedback in driving success.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 20 related collections

The biggest barrier to effective communication is not lack of information, but the fear of how to express our thoughts and feelings honestly without escalation.

Difficult Conversations

By Bruce Patton, Douglas Stone, Sheila Heen

Frequently Asked Questions