Book description
Developed for training, HR, and OD professionals, this book provides
the keys to effective interpersonal collaboration. Building on a
foundation of four principles (Be Real, Extend Respect, Take
Responsibility, and Build Relationships). Readers will learn how to
apply five strategies (Collaborating, Going Head-to-Head, Compromising,
Coaching, and Caring-for-Self) at the moment of need (a deteriorating
relationship with a coworker or boss) and discover how to win support
from others and manage difficult behavior when conflict arises. They
describe several familiar and troublesome 'mistakes' workmates often
make, then help us avoid them by applying four essential principles and
five key strategies.
Features content to deepen the readers' understanding of each concept
and strategy with real life examples along with questionnaires at the
end of each case chapter. Peer Power tells relevant stories, gives
concrete examples of solutions, and provides real tools to repair
relationships with these individuals. Practicing these tools improves
effectiveness, reduces stress levels, helps build our company and
makes this a better place to work.
Chapter 1 looks at interpersonal behaviors that most of us have tried
but don't work. Chapter 2 introduces the four key principles for
effective communication. Chapter 3 dives into the five strategies for
solving interpersonal problems. In the nine chapters that follow, the
book tackles a challenging character at work
- The attacker (the colleague who repeatedly expresses his anger
and frustration in the form of inappropriate personal criticism)
- The whiner (that coworker who complains without taking
responsibility for improving conditions that surround her)
- The scene stealer (the peer who sets about building her
reputation at your expense)
- The drive-by boss (a leader who ignores some of his key
management responsibilities and doesn't meet the needs of his
employees or the organization)
- The manipulator (the coworker who attempts to influence your
attitude or behavior through deception or secrecy)
- The clueless colleague (a coworker who is insensitive to her
negative impact on the work environment)
- The faux-smart boss (the boss who has unrealistic confidence in
his own ideas and skills, often accompanied by a lack of
confidence in his employees)
- The slacker (the coworker whose poor performance damages your performance)
- The bully (a colleague who uses unreasonable demands and
inappropriate threats to get her way)
For a quick road map, readers can turn to the cheat sheet at the end
of each of these chapters. Each case chapter includes clues to look
for, assumptions to remember, and principles and practices to use. For
actual dialogue, the authors have added scripted responses to various
tough cases. The book is designed for readers to use this book to
develop practical strategies to get results.
Cynthia Clay is the founder and president of
NetSpeed Learning Solutions. Her career has centered on helping
managers, teams and individuals work together more effectively.
Ray Olitt consults with and coaches leaders in a variety of
for-profit and non-profit organizations.
