How the Way We Talk Can Change the Way We Work: Seven Languages for Transformation

Summary

A whole new approach to business communication by two brilliant, Harvard-based educators, trainers and consultants. Kegan and Lahey show us how the way we talk in the workplace can be understood as seven different types of speaking, seven languages that reveal our attitudes, expectations, corporate culture, hidden agendas, emotional baggage, motivation and other crucial characteristics and issues. They show how all managers and executives are actually leading "language communities" wherein certain ways of talking are encouraged and others made apparentlly (but not actually) "impossible". And most importantly the provide the organizational analysis, workshieets, and sample dialogues which provide a revolutionary new technology for long-lasting positive change, showing everyone who works how to: * Convert compaining into an honest statement of underlying belief and mission * Stop blaming and take responsibility * Convert traditional myths about the organization into realistic progress * Replace flattery and artifical rewards with ongoing regard * Change "contructive criticism" to courageous dialogue from differeng perspectives.