Mission StatementPowerful Conversations: How High-Impact Leaders Communicate,
by Phil Harkins, McGraw –Hill
If you ever believed that successful conversations were easy…well, I’m sure you have found out differently.
Phil Harkins examines the obvious and the subtle side of communicating in this book. It is a cross between good theory (with models) and a self-help guide. Anecdotes abound. It is worth the read.
Generally, Harkins says that a successful conversation has 3 outputs: advancing an agenda, shared learning, and a strengthened relationship. He reminds us that Aristotle suggested that the first principle of leaning is accepting what you don’t know.
The obvious:
- Communication is never easy; trust is a key ingredient.
- A review of active listening skills: attend to the speaker, acknowledge contents and feelings, brainstorm options, and work for agreement.
- Make your words match your actions.
- During organizational change open communication improves the chances of successful AND rapid change.
- Power is unleashed when people are able to talk about their real thoughts, feelings, assumptions, and needs in a focused and results-oriented way.
The subtle:
- The successful conversation is not a challenge, but an opportunity. Harkins includes tips on how to prepare for a difficult conversation.
- Successful conversations clarify commitments.
- Many people are skilled at crafting messages that contain inconsistencies and ambiguities, which make certain topics un-discussable. Those un-discussed topics are what keep an organization from being successful.
- Some tips on how to get out of bad conversations, which Harkins calls “The Swamp.” Harkins suggests that bad conversations never seem to end!
- How to separate wants and needs when there is conflict in the agenda.
- Harkins includes some ideas about leading through change, by matching (having focused conversations about) that “portion” of the vision which affects a manger/employee.
Harkins gives us a handy “Toolbox” at the close of the book – an appendix – that includes all the models and core material. This will make the material in the book more accessible after reading.
Enjoy the book!
