Communicate Better

Having “Hard” Conversations + Decision-Making + TED Talk + Communication Trends

Fierce Conversations

In Fierce Conversations, author Susan Scott provides insightful direction on how to responsibly and effectively have “hard” conversations. She talks about the importance of transparency and being present by prompting us to consider that “the conversation is the relationship.”

While the fierce approach to conversations may be tough initially, problems and issues will exist whether or not we talk about them, so we should not avoid these discussions. And lest we forget that each person owns his or her own “truth” about reality, we must fully understand all sides of a situation before choosing the course of action. A common theme throughout her narrative is the potential impact of any one conversation. Put simply, “While no single conversation is guaranteed to transform a company, a relationship or a life, any single conversation can.”


Decision-Making and Communication

Give your nontechnical skills a boost. This multisection 50–60 hour SOA e-course focuses on interpersonal and decision-making skills to help you:

  • Anticipate the kinds of questions necessary for making business decisions.
  • Participate in, and influence, decision- making in your work environment.
  • Partner with others to help identify options related to an impending decision.
  • Work more effectively with others.

For more information, visit bit.ly/SOA-Decision


TED Talk—10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation

Celeste Headlee, host of the Georgia Public Broadcasting program “On Second Thought,” shares 10 useful rules for having better conversations. “Go out, talk to people, listen to people,” she says. “And, most important, be prepared to be amazed.”


Communication Trends

Read the Forbes article, “How Shifting Communication Trends Are Impacting Digital Transformation.” The author contends that “communication remains one of the most fascinating elements of digital transformation.”