Having Hard Conversations

by Jennifer B. Abrams

"A thoughtful map for authentically engaging in and learning from hard conversations. Abrams gently teaches us why having these conversations matter and how they can help us grow."
--Eleanor Drago-Severson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Teachers College, Columbia University

"A wonderful combination of coaching, consulting, and crafting a way of teaching us all to speak honestly in our relationships."
--Ann Lieberman, Senior Scholar
Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching

"Our teaching culture is adverse to conflict. Having tools like this will move education forward as a profession."
--Michael Grinder, National Director and Educational Consultant
NLP in Education

"This book has already changed my life. Just by reading it, my courage to have hard conversations has soared."
--Beth Madison, Principal
George Middle School, Portland, OR

Speak with clarity, confidence, and courage!

For many educators, confronting a colleague about a work-related issue can be a daunting matter. This insightful book helps educators speak with clarity and courage to directly address difficult situations within their schools.

Having Hard Conversations provides an interactive, personal approach to mastering the art of challenging conversations. The author′s step-by-step strategy addresses a wide range of situations, including communication with supervisees, peers, and supervisors. Emphasizing that initiative and preparation are the keys to a successful conversation, this resource


Thought-provoking questions and first-person accounts that help educators become more self-aware, effective communicators
Advice on overcoming personal hesitation about expressing concerns
Guidance on identifying goals for the conversation and choosing the best "what-where-and-when" for a productive discussion
Sample scripts and practical tools to help educators prepare for the conversation
By addressing important issues directly and professionally, educators can find self-empowerment and promote an open, healthy school environment.

Genres: Leadership, Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Professional Development

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2009

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have to admit that I stopped reading it - 70% finished. A book I may refer to when the need arises or when I have more time. Throughout the book, the reader needs to stop and reflect deeply. Between 2 and 3 stars.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical guide to help educators/ school leaders work through the process of having a difficult conversation. The chapter about identifying what prevents people from having hard conversations was interesting and a thought provoking self-reflection.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the format and step-by-step process to approaching hard conversations. There were areas that I skimmed over, knowing I didn't need that information at this time, but I annotated and tabbed them to come back to consider if the need arises.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must read for anyone working in a school setting. clear, specific, practical steps to having hard conversations.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for class, it was good. Wish I ever saw any of it put into action by administrators!!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for educational administrators, the purpose and practice of hard conversations outlined in this book is relevant to other readers. The book gave clarity about why having hard conversations can be necessary and beneficial, and the clear guidelines made having a hard conversation seem much less difficult.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I picked up this book I thought it would be good for handling situations that come up at work. I suppose it was okay for that purpose, but the whole thing is so focused on the school environment that it was hard to get into. Though if you do work at a school then I would whole-heartedly recommend it as the numerous examples would be beneficial.

[Elizabeth Cornman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having Hard Conversation is well written and gives many detailed strategies for those in positions where having hard conversations is part of the job. If you have already been having hard conversations, you may recognize strategies you are already using and pick up some ideas for how to fine tune your interactions.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although there might be a little reliance on overloading readers with examples left, right, and center, I felt that this book provided some great tips on how all adults not just teachers can handle difficult conversations.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the hardest parts of leadership is learning how to have the courage to have hard conversations with clarity, respect, and professionalism This book has lots of concrete ideas and clear suggestions. Useful for any educator, but especially teacher leaders and admin.

[Robin Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah blah blah blah, same old shit just using different names and buzzwords. My take is, how about figuring out WHY you have “hard” conversations….could it actually be YOU…ADMIN. Stop being a control freak maybe and treat adults as professionals.

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely simplistic lists...not very applicable to situations other than one administrator or dept chair talking to one teacher.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for teachers, administrators, and instruction coaches!