The Communication Catalyst

by Mickey Connolly, Richard Rianoshek

The fast (but not stupid) track to value for customers, investors, and employees.



By doing the wrong things fast in business, waste is all that is accelerated, and value is sacrificed. Two leading consultants offer entrepreneurs and business leaders speed-guaranteed communication skills that can yield more results per hour and achieve a true competitive edge."

Genres: Business, Communication, Management

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2002

Reviews

[Janne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3½. Communications Catalyst provides model for authentic and value creating interaction. Content and concepts are applicable inside and outside of business.

For me this reading experience came as a little bit shallow and as business, as I've pondered the significance of communication and necessity of truth and authenticity in it quite a bit. The is pretense - authenticity scale presented in this book which reminds me of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha - the power of truth in communication and negotiation. Also the Non Violent Communication model of Marshall B. Rosenberg is works with the thoughts of Communication Catalyst. Another thing I get reminded of is the literature of William Ury, which emphasizes also the necessity of truth in communication and adds also the compassion like does Gandhi and Rosenberg.

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Communication Catalyst: The Fast (But Not Stupid) Track to Value for Customers, Investors, and Employees by Mickey Connolly & Richard Rianoshek, Ph.D. landed in my to-be-read pile quite a while ago. I'm not sure why I hesitated so long to read it, but I finally did. It's well written and contains many interesting ideas related to communicating, but much of it felt like stuff I already knew. I particularly enjoyed the Rev Baker sections of the book where the authors used a real life example to illustrate their points. These sections made it easy to visualize the concepts applied while breaking up the more academic sections of the book with an engaging, ongoing story. The Communication Catalyst encouraged me to evaluate the way I communicate with others to figure out what's working and what isn't.

[Jennifer Sertl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently designing a class for software development team and using this book along with my own.

I was very lucky to work directly with Mickey & Richard back in 2004.

Perhaps the most significant quote now a brain tattoo is the following:

In organizational life the community is potentially much smarter than any individual. However, your ability to release the potential brilliance of the community depends to a large extent on to the quality of interaction between individuals. In today’s business world, the ability to engage in high-quality conversations represents a real competitive edge.


It will take me a lifetime to master this material.

In practice,
Jennifer

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to become a better communicator this is the book for you. I would recommend reading the Connolly story first then go through and read the rest of the book. It will make a lot more sense.

[Marc Dorval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living in a world where communication is the main source of work, I think this book helps build a foundation of simple, clear, and actionable conversation. Skimmeable in parts, there are many solid pieces of advice and checklists. Highly recommended.

[Todd Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for any leader