This book walks the reader through on how to bring up difficult issues in a way that reduces defensiveness and fosters a candid, open-minded, open-hearted conversation. It provides the reader with practical recommendations on what to do before having a courageous conversation so you "show up" as the best version of yourself, including: 1. How to counteract the unproductive self-talk and destructive stories we tell ourselves that lead us to enter conversations in an antagonistic state. 2. How to shift your state to one of curiosity and compassion. 3. How to differentiate between realistic and healthy intentions and those that are unrealistic and dysfunctional...and will therefore set you up for a disastrous conversation. It then walks you through the author's "Declaration/Invitation" process for opening up a constructive conversation. While the principles and techniques are framed within the story of a real life conversation the author had with a co-worker, they are applicable to any "crucial conversation," whether in your work life or in your personal life. About The Author: David Lee is the founder of HumanNature@Work. He is a consultant, speaker, trainer, and executive coach who has worked with organizations and presented at conferences throughout North America and Australia.Besides this book, David is the author of over 100 articles and book chapters on topics related to employee engagement, leadership development, and "how to have the conversations that get you the results you want." Recently, his work has focused on the central role productive relationships and productive conversations have on business results, with this being the take away message: "Every better business result you want requires having a better conversation." Comments About David Lee's Work: "Your presentation on Constructive Conversations got rave reviews and I hope we can bring you back to Granite State College again soon!" Beth Dalzell "Your program on Constructive Conversations was THE most memorable seminar I've ever attended, and I've been to a lot of training and a lot of school. It amazed me how you engaged the audience for four hours without PowerPoint." - Ingrid Lederman David is a consummate speaker, presenter, storyteller and, if ever there existed such a thing, a true "people whisperer". Susan Soto "David is quite simply one of the best storytellers and teacher of storytelling out there. He has an amazing ability to find the perfect story for every situation as well as the skill to engage and transform using the power of story." Dr. Susanne Evans