The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the different approaches to negotiation? Which negotiation tactic will help you get what you want? In our daily lives, we negotiate with others for things we want, whether the context is business or personal. Experts have different theories about the best approach to getting what you want out of a negotiation. Continue reading for the two main approaches to negotiation: emotional and rational.
How often do you misunderstand what people are saying? When someone’s talking to you, do you pay attention to more than just the words they say? Every day, you hear people communicate. But, hearing doesn’t necessarily equal understanding. To completely get what someone is attempting to communicate to you takes skill—specifically, the skill of active listening. Read more to learn how to practice active listening and stop missing what people are trying to tell you.
What are the best negotiation tools and techniques? What dodge-and-counterpunch negotiation moves should you use? When negotiating with a partner who’s throwing everything at you, you need to be prepared for their moves. Additionally, you should consider what type of boundaries and conditions you want to set for the negotiation. Discover more about these necessary negotiation tools and techniques below.
When was the last time you met someone new? Did you feel confident and equipped to make conversation and create a connection? Bestselling author James Williams explains that effective communicators must establish connections with others. This is because, as factors in your life change—such as your job or where you live—you’ll be forced to meet new people and build new relationships. Keep reading to learn how to connect with others in a way that lays a strong foundation to build on.
What skills do influential leaders possess? How do you use an influential team member to help your company? Influential leaders are those who can get others on board with their ideas. In their book Strengths Based Leadership, Tom Rath and Barry Conchie give advice for people who are highly influential in the workplace, including leaders and employees. Read below to learn more about influential leadership skills.
Are any of your relationships strained because of an unresolved issue? Are you afraid that, if you address the issue, the relationship will be further damaged? Accountability conversations are the discussions we have when someone breaks a promise, violates a commitment, behaves badly, or fails to meet our expectations. In Crucial Accountability, communication and management experts explain how we can have these conversations in a way that resolves the issues while preserving the relationships. Read more for five accountability exercises that will help you implement the ideas in this universally relevant book.
Do you tend to talk around your message rather than hit the nail on the head? Can you tell whether someone is tracking with you when you’re talking? James Williams explains that expressing yourself accurately and clearly is crucial. If you don’t, the other person will likely misunderstand you, and you’ll fail to achieve your goal for the conversation. He offers three tips for staying clear and on point. Read more to learn how to communicate clearly and get an accurate message across that’s likely to be understood.
Are you well prepared for a negotiation? How do you make a good bargain that benefits both you and your opponent? When you’re face-to-face at the negotiating table, you want to strike the best possible deal. Experts have great advice on how to take advantage of new information and how to use the Ackerman model to craft your offer. Learn how to bargain by getting all the information you need to master the Ackerman model.
Do you have a reputation as a good listener? Does it feel like you have to repeat yourself a lot? Do you get easily triggered, or do you seem to set other people off emotionally? Communicating effectively with others is a crucial skill—it’s how we build and maintain relationships, solve problems, and accomplish tasks. However, James Williams explains that good communication skills don’t come naturally—instead, they’re built up over time through intentional practice. Keep reading to learn about four core communication skills and how to practice them in your everyday life.
Does “That’s not what I said” sound familiar? How often do you say it or hear it? No matter how careful you are with expressing yourself and listening to others, misunderstandings are bound to happen. Extend some grace to yourself and others, and develop a few skills that can help clear things up and smooth things over. Continue reading to learn how to resolve misunderstandings in communication.