Hard Conversations Unpacked: The Whos, the Whens, and the What-Ifs

Learn to speak up for what really matters Tough talks are never easy, but in her best-selling book, Having Hard Conversations, Jennifer Abrams showed educators how to speak intentionally with colleagues about work-related issues through a planned, interactive, and personal approach. In this sequel, she moves readers deeper into the nuances of how to prepare for those conversations while building expectations for positive and meaningful outcomes. Putting clarity before accountability, or by being clear about what should be understood before going in, can and will increase the favorable results of those tough talks. With an emphasis on what needs to happen before, during, and after hard conversations, this resource explores What humane, growth-producing, and "other-centered" conversations sound like How race, culture, gender, and generational filters influence perceptions and how to account for them How to spot and work with organizational dynamics that could influence discussions How to conduct hard conversations with supervisors Plan for positive outcomes from hard conversations. Let this resource empower you to expect and professionally navigate environmental influences, unexpected pushback, and uncomfortable silences toward real understanding and progress. "Abrams, who cites a broad and current body of literature, provides a valuable rationale for why certain ways of talking are more effective than others." Robert J. Garmston - Professor Emeritus & Co-Developer of COgnitive Coaching & Adaptive Schools California State University, Sacramento "In order to grow as learners, educators and leaders, we need to be provided with feedback that will enhance our growth. That feedback doesn't come easily. We shy away from providing honest feedback because we're afraid it will be "taken the wrong way." That is why I love Having Hard Conversations 2.0. Jennifer Abrams brings us through the process beautifully with a great deal of honesty, and we can learn a great deal from her insight. This is an important read for anyone in education." Peter De Witt - Former School Principal Finding Common Ground Blog, Corwin