"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 includes:
- 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.
Industry Reviews
"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 "A thoughtful and practical map for authentically engaging in and learning from having hard conversations. Abrams gently teaches us why having these conversations matter and how they can help us grow. Her work shines light on the landscape of personal and professional learning from engagement in hard conversations." -- Eleanor Drago-Severson, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership "A wonderful combination of coaching, consulting, and crafting a way of teaching us all to speak honestly in our relationships. From casual conversations to value conflicts, we learn to use and become sensitive to differences in gender, style, and position in this very appealing and important book. A must-read for teachers, principals, and district office personnel who care about developing a healthy school community." -- Ann Lieberman, Senior Scholar "This book has already changed my life. Just by reading it, my courage to have hard conversations has soared." -- Beth Madison, Principal "A straightforward, practical and useful guide for engaging in difficult conversations." -- Lauren Levin
