Communication within many organizations has been reduced to email, electronic file transfer, and hasty sound
bytes at hurried meetings. More and more, people appear to have forgotten the value of wisdom gained by ordinary
conversations.
But, at different times in history, conversation has been regarded as an art form - a crucial component of human
relations. Conversation has the power to solve a problem, heal a wound, generate commitment, bond a team, generate
new options, or build a vision. Conversations can shift working patterns, build friendships, create focus and energy,
cement resolve.
The Art of Focused Conversation convincingly restores this most human of attributes to prime place within businesses
and organizations, and demonstrates what can be accomplished through the medium of focused conversation. The first
Part describes the theory and background of the conversation method, which has been effectively used for group
consensus making in: 1) problem solving; 2) troubleshooting; 3) coaching; 4) research and 5) interpretation of
data. It also discusses how to prepare a conversation, how to lead a conversation, and what the common mistakes
are. Part two then provides 100 sample conversations designed for use in many different situations, including:
reviewing and evaluating;
preparation and planning;
coaching, and mentoring;
data and media interpretation;
decision making;
managing and supervising; and
personal reflection and group celebrations.
Developed, tested, and extensively used by professionals in the field of organizational development, The Art
of Focused Conversation is an invaluable resource for all those working to improve communications in firms and
organizations.