How to Tell Anyone Anything: Breakthrough Techniques for Handling Difficult Conversations at Work by Richard S. Gallagher

by Richard S. Gallagher

No one likes to be criticized. But when feedback is necessary whether it's with a boss, someone we manage, or another co-worker it takes great communication skills to successfully get the message across with feelings and relationships intact. Drawing from the latest thinking in psychology on how best to connect with others, "How to Tell Anyone Anything" steers readers away from the common mistake of focusing on what's wrong, and shows them instead how to provide clear, constructive, positive messages. From telling a frequently late employee that we understand what happened (even as we negotiate for the problem to stop), to asking a rude co-worker what's bothering them (and by doing so, discovering the root of the problem), the book gives readers powerful insight into how we all react naturally to criticism and how to transform interactions that might become verbal tugs of war into collaborative, problem-solving sessions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Management, Leadership, Communication

Paperback

First published June 3, 2009

About the author

Arabic: ريتشارد إس. جالاجر

Richard S. Gallagher LMFT

My specialty is teaching people how to communicate in difficult situations. As a former customer service executive - and now as a speaker, trainer, and practicing therapist - my books and training programs explore the mechanics of how we communicate, based on recent principles of behavioral psychology.

I am perhaps best known for my two #1 customer service bestsellers The Customer Service Survival Kit (AMACOM, 2013) and What to Say to a Porcupine (AMACOM, 2008), as well as How to Tell Anyone Anything (AMACOM, 2009), which explores how to handle difficult workplace conversations.

If you are looking for "smile training" or basic advice on communications skills, there are lots of books out there. But if you want to learn what to say to someone after you've just towed their car away - or how to talk to a co-worker who needs to shower more often - or what will defuse a toxic boss - you've come to the right place! Enjoy my books, or Google me to learn more. Welcome!

Reviews

[Teela Hudak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was expertly written. The language used throughout the book is diverse and expressive while staying accessible to the laymen. It gives you new strategies to approach difficult situations and warns you of common conversational pitfalls. One thing I particularly liked about this book is that it acknowledged that we are all human and prone to making mistakes and how difficult it can be to say the right thing in a difficult conversation. The author doesn't blame you for not being perfect but instead suggests ways to increase your success in effectively communicating. I found the suggested techniques to be insightful and realistically attainable with some practice.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think there were some good tips in here, but this book was so incredibly boring and repetitive that they quickly lost value. Read the first chapter and use the worksheet in the back - the value of the book is concentrated in those two sections.

[Razan · Rating 5 out of 5]

من اهم الكتب اللي تعلمت منها مهارات التواصل في المواقف الصعبه
الكتاب عملي جدا يعطيك طرق ونقاط تتبعها عشان حرفيا تقول اي شي لاي شخص 👌🏻

[SaraKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Incredibly helpful

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you end a book by going back to pages you've flagged to review and then copying the first appendix, which is what the author wants you to do, you've found a useful book. You're never too old or experienced to learn better ways of communicating. I'm already attempting to apply some of the concepts to improve my communication. I have a long way to go, but it all starts with one step. If you're willing to learn and put your ego aside, you'll find something in this book for you.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible.  Richard Gallagher comes from the Dale Carnegie school of handling people. Reading this was a rebuke.  Anytime I get away from Carnegie's principles, my communication skills take a nosedive.  Not only does Gallagher’s book build upon the precepts laid down in “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, it places them in a step-by-step structure for handling difficult conversations in the workplace.  Super valuable.  I've already began implementing the strategies.  I'll be coming back to this book from time to time to brush up.  The best compliment I can pay to a book of this type is that it changes the way I do things.  This one definitely does

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. Not a lot of new concepts, but it is a great compilation of approaches for more effective workplace communication. I coach managers as a part of my work and I have recommended this book to several people already.

[Elizabeth]

As seen on Science Careers.

[Eric Anest · Rating 3 out of 5]

The theory in this book is helpful and will probably help me in the future. I found the examples to be a little unrealistic and so I skipped the case studies at the back of the book.

[Jennifer W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivational Interviewing for workplace conflicts. I think I'll find it useful, but just like MI, I've got to be able to practice it.