The Four Conversations, by Jeffrey Ford

The Four Conversations: Daily Communication that gets Results

In a busy and progressive work environment, conversations are key for keeping a forward momentum.

This book asserts that there are four productive conversations:

1. Initiative Conversations -- where one shares new ideas, goals, visions and futures with people who can implement and make them real
2. Understanding conversation -- where one builds awareness and knowledge of a new or existing idea in a way that helps people see how to participate in using. or accomplishing it
3. Performance conversations -- where one makes requests and promises that generate specific actions, results, and agreements, and pave the way for accountability
4. Closure conversations -- where one supports experiences of accomplishment, satisfaction, and value.  These conversations strengthen accountability and give people an honest look at the successes and failure encountered on the way to reaching a goal

 Using these conversations at the right time, in the right combinations or patterns, is the trick.