CRITICAL

CONVERSA
TION FOR
DUMMIES
BY Dr.
Christina
Schlachter
BOOK REVIEW
BY
DR. KAMALJEET KAUR
 INTRODUCTION

A critical conversation is any conversation in which two or more people

have differing opinions, perspectives, or ideas on how to work, talk,
act, behave, or for that matter, basically do anything. Throw in the
different parties in the conversation being highly engaged and
emotionally tied to their respective views of the desired results and
you have a critical conversation that should be happening right now.

A successful critical conversation occurs when the parties take action

that’s mutually agreed on and improves the current situation from all
points of view. Therefore, it isn’t just about having the conversation;
it’s about making sure the conversation results in change.
 PART1: The Anatomy of a critical conversation
Chapter 1 is about discovering all about critical conversation, understanding golden rule
and recognizing the key steps in a successful critical conversation

Chapter 2 is about building relationships, resolve issues, and improve performance ;

discovering and avoiding common pitfalls

Chapter 3 is about Identifying the roles that make the conversation successful and
Preparing for a critical conversation with ease

Chapter 4 teaches us to use the EDGE model to have meaningful conversations and
moving forward in the SMARTest possible way

Chapter 5 helps us to look for signs that a critical conversation is necessary and knowing
what to focus on
 PART II- MAKING SENSE OF HOW YOU
COMMUNICATE
Chapter 6 is Building Effective Verbal Communication Techniques & Turning a
confrontational conversation into a cooperative one

Chapter 7 is about Identifying nonverbal cues that help deliver critical

messages
And actively listening to move a conversation forward

Chapter 8 is about discovering which communication styles do (and don’t)

work & finding out your preferred approach to conversations
 PART III- Getting Down to Specifics: Creating a
Critical Conversation
Chapter 9 is about avoiding the four big pitfalls of critical
conversations & building rapport and trust

Chapter 10 is about bouncing back from a bad turn in the

conversation & dealing with resistance and difficult behaviors

Chapter 11 is to discover why every conversation needs closure &

evaluating the success of the conversation
 PART IV: Putting It All into Practice
Chapter 12 is about critical conversations for hiring and developing superstar employees
& Providing positive feedback
Chapter 13 is about giving effective feedback when performance is suffering & firing
employees with compassion
Chapter 14 is about discovering how critical conversations reduce workplace stress
Chapter 15 is about recognizing when critical conversations aren’t the best option in
resolving workplace complaints & evaluating when an outside mediator can help
Chapter 16 explains on how to explore behaviors that push buttons & finding four
approaches that resolve difficult behaviors
Chapter 17 deals with how to use critical conversations with customers when they break
the rules
& using critical conversations as part of a public relations strategy
Chapter 18 assists in building productive teams & Improving the way teams work
 PART V: The Part of Tens
Chapter 19 is about Influencing others through dialogue & Creating a happier, healthier
work environment

Chapter 20 is finding productive ways to walk away from a bad conversation &
discovering how to keep the conversation moving forward

Chapter 21 is about engaging participants who can’t get their phones out of their hands;
Pinpointing ways to keep agreements from unraveling & playing referee during the
blame game
Conclusion
Critical Conversations For Dummies is a step-by-step reference for the variety of
crucial conversations life presents in the workforce. It's packed with strategies for
preparing for high-stakes situations; being persuasive (not abrasive); knowing the
value of assertive communication; resolving failed promises and missed
deadlines; maintaining morale when firing staff; getting new employees off on the
right foot; managing staff relations and strengthening team relationships;
understanding audience needs and motivations to get positive results; altering
confrontational language to cooperative language during difficult conversations;
and building relationships in the face of conflict.

• Improve communication skills in crucial conversations

• Avoid common pitfalls and emotional tendencies
• Discover the benefits of success in crucial conversations

This book is especially relevant to the hundreds of thousands of leaders who are
tasked with multiple duties, whether addressing complex problems from
stakeholders or achieving exceptional results from staff.