Synopses & Reviews
Review
“…an excellent book.”
-Denver Business Journal
Review
“…a quick-read treasure-trove of useful skills and practical advice….organized into digestible chunks of charts and lists.. the ideas come alive.”
-Gulfshore Business Magazine
Synopsis
"In an increasingly diverse workplace, it’s more important and challenging than ever to communicate well. We must build bridges that cross our differences to connect our similarities. The Art of Connecting reveals five core principles and presents corresponding, specific strategies for overcoming communications barriers and connecting effectively with anyone, regardless of professional, generational, ethnic, cultural, or other differences.
The authors also explain how the most skillful connectors are able to shift perspectives -- to see a situation from three points of view: “me,” “you,” and “them.” All of the principles and strategies are brought to life through absorbing examples and scenarios, plus engaging descriptions of “masters of connection” -- like famed National Public Radio interviewer Terry Gross -- doing what they do.
There is always a bridge. The Art of Connecting shows how to find it -- every time."
About the Author
Claire Raines (Denver, CO) is a leading expert on generations in the workplace and is the author or coauthor of five previous books on the topic, including Generations at Work. Lara Ewing (Indian Hills, CO) is a specialist in major change projects and leadership development. She has worked with such clients as Diners Club, Sun Microsystems, Baptist Hospital Systems, and American Express Bank.
Table of Contents
"Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1. Masters of Connection
Terry Gross
Richard and Michele Steckel
Héctor Orcí
The Titanium Rule
The Core Principles
Chapter 1 at a Glance
Chapter 2. The Core Principles
There’s Always a Bridge
Curiosity Is Key
What You Assume Is What You Get
Each Individual Is a Culture
No Strings Attached
Chapter 2 at a Glance
Chapter 3: Pathways to Connection
Clarify Your Intention
Notice Your Own Reactions
Search for Similarities
Use Cues
Experiment and Adjust
Putting It All Together: Lindsay Speaks to the NRA
Chapter 3 at a Glance
Chapter 4: Points of View
Me: First-Person Perspective
You: Second-Person Perspective
Them: Third-Person Perspective
Putting It All Together: A Profile of Nikki Moss
Chapter 4 at a Glance
Chapter 5: Working with Differences in Groups
Opening Your Presentation
Reading Cues in Groups
Helping Diverse Groups Connect
Bridging Disagreement in a Group
Putting It All Together: A Conversation with Jonathan Fox
Chapter 5 at a Glance
Chapter 6: Twenty Questions
Chapter 7: Crossing the Bridge: Three Case Studies
Lynn and the Line Managers
Joe and the New Kid
Michele and the Data Wonks
Chapter 8: Learning Activities
Activity 1. Spectrum of Perspectives
Activity 2. Primary and Secondary Aspects of Diversity
Activity 3. Points of View
Activity 4. Case Study: Converging Networks
Activity 5. Clarify Your Intention
Activity 6. The Titanium Rule
Activity 7. Preclass Interview
Assessment
Related Reading
Index
About the Authors"