Book Review: Crucial Conversations

Solution providers often get into the IT business because they have solid technical skills. What they often lack, though, is the ability to effectively build their businesses. That's because they may lack the skills to coach their employees or to motivate their prospects.

"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High," by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler, is written for busy businesspeople who don't always take the time to think about the gravity of their conversations or how to effectively prepare for them. The sound advice here can render readers more effective speakers.

The techniques in "Crucial Conversations" run the gamut of interpersonal engagements. The authors walk through the steps for understanding what a conversation should be, how to frame a message and stay on target, how to work through tough encounters and anger, and how to be persuasive.

Communication is the hinge on which any business, organization or individual succeeds or fails. In fact, most successful people and companies rise on the strength of their skills in this area. Every solution provider should take the time out to read this book.