New Read: Crucial Conversations

mjs42370 — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:25:00 +0000

My business partner, Nic recently sent me a copy of Crucial Conversations. After reading only the first few chapters I think this book will be tough to forget. It is based on the premise that when our conversations have the most at stake (holding an unfavorable position, handling conflict with a co-worker, etc) we have the tendency to conduct ourselves the poorest.

I can think of several occasions where a well-intentioned dialogue went wrong. Whether trying to bring up a sensitive subject with my fiancee, Lauren or working through a tough issue with a client; things start out ok but at some point emotions run high. I’ve found myself at that proverbial crossroads; forced to make a choice to keep my composure or abandon the original purpose of the discussion in favor of self-preservation.

Thankfully, the tools presented in this book can make it possible to be our best under fire or heavy scrutiny. Having read just the opening chapters, I’ve already “caught” myself heading down a path I would typically come back to regret.

What’s great about this book is that the implications it has on our success are widespread. It can help strengthen and build all types of relationships: personal or professional or otherwise. Do you have a good read to recommend? Let me hear about it.

Mike

Yet another weblog…

mjs42370 — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:20:09 +0000

Family, friends and guests, welcome! After many failed attempts to keep in touch, I’ve decided to turn to the web and start my first blog. I chose the name Daily Minutiae because this site is all about capturing some of the ‘small details’ of my life here in Omaha, NE.

I also want to get into the habit of improving my writing and getting a bit more comfortable with sharing my thoughts and ideas with the virtual world. In my career as a web developer, an online blog has become the new resume and I can’t afford to be out of work!

I hope you’ll bookmark the site and check back from time to time. I’ll be adding photos and other bits of info here. There is no shortage of activity here over the next several months – new business plans, joys of home ownership, travel and yes, a wedding! There is much to be grateful for and I plan to share.

Stay tuned!

Mike