Revolutionary Conversations ™ introduces readers to the S.H.A.R.E.™ Tools, which are intended to increase the effectiveness of business conversations. The authors draw upon diverse knowledge and expertise; Mark H. Fowler is a business re-engineering specialist, Noal McDonald is a human relations professional and Barbara Gaughen-Muller is a public relations expert and NGO leader. All have many years of experience in their respective fields.
S.H.A.R.E.™ stands for STOP, HELP, ASK, RISK and EXPLORE. By using each of these steps in important conversations, the authors believe that small to medium-sized businesses can benefit their bottom line. As they note, many employees are disengaged from their work, and these individuals can cost companies millions of dollars in lost productivity alone. They assert “Revolutionary Conversations™ can combat this quiet crisis by dramatically changing a business’s landscape, transforming a negative business culture and empowering individuals to work more effectively. “
The book is well structured with a detailed table of contents. After the introduction and an overview of the Tools, the remaining chapters elaborate on each element of S.H.A.R.E.™ Each provides examples to illustrate the concepts and show their application in a business setting. Helpfully, chapters end with a review of key concepts, suggested action steps and questions for the reader to consider.
I thought the concepts were laid out well and easy to understand. I found the book’s examples detailed and realistic, perhaps reflecting the many years the writers have taught the Tools at UCLA and in workshops and used them in client projects. If I have one quibble with the book, it is the three separate prefaces at the start; perhaps the authors could have combined their thoughts and produced one.
Revolutionary Conversations™ is well-written and a thorough review of the fundamentals of good communication in a business setting.