1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: In Failure to Communicate, Holly Weeks exposes how communication breakdowns can have far-reaching consequences in our lives and how to bridge the understanding gap.
“When we communicate well, we create an environment where everyone can do better work and be more successful.”
Quick Info
Category: Communication Skills
Publish Date: 2010-05-04
# Pages: 256
ISBN: 142213749X
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Table of Contents
Overview
Failure to Communicate: A Guide to Better Conversations for a More Productive Workforce by Holly Weeks is a book that tackles the problem of communication in the workplace.
In it, Weeks examines the ways in which communication can become a barrier to success in the workplace, as well as the steps individuals, teams, and organizations can take to foster successful conversations and a more productive workforce.
Through her research and experience, Weeks provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and improving communication in the workplace.
She explains the importance of communication as well as how to build meaningful conversations and relationships.
She also provides advice on when and how to communicate effectively, as well as how to stay connected and productive in the workplace.
With her insights and expertise, Weeks helps readers understand the need for effective communication in the workplace and provides the tools necessary to make it happen.
4 Key Lessons from Failure to Communicate by Holly Weeks
1. Set Expectations
The first lesson from Failure to Communicate by Holly Weeks is to set clear expectations when communicating with others.
In the book, Weeks discusses the importance of being explicit about expectations when communicating with others, especially in business settings.
This ensures that everyone is on the same page and that everyone understands the goals and objectives of the communication.
This will help the reader to better manage their expectations when engaging in communication with others, leading to better communication outcomes.
2. Be Aware of Nonverbal Cues
The second lesson from Failure to Communicate by Holly Weeks is to be aware of nonverbal cues.
Nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice can be incredibly important in communication.
By being aware of these cues, the reader can gain a better understanding of the other person’s feelings and intentions, leading to more effective communication.
3. Use Active Listening
The third lesson from Failure to Communicate by Holly Weeks is to use active listening.
Active listening is the practice of truly listening to another person and understanding what they are saying.
By actively listening, the reader can gain a better understanding of the other person’s point of view, allowing them to better respond and engage in the conversation.
4. Ask Questions
The fourth lesson from Failure to Communicate by Holly Weeks is to ask questions.
Asking questions is an important part of communication, as it helps to clarify and expand the conversation.
By asking questions, the reader can better understand the other person’s point of view, leading to more productive conversations.
Who Should Read It
This book should be read by people interested in organizational communication, business professionals, and anyone who wants to learn how to communicate more effectively in a variety of situations.
Where to Get It
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About Holly Weeks
Holly Weeks is a senior lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she teaches courses on negotiation, communication and public policy.
She is a nationally recognized expert on communication, having written three books and numerous articles and op-eds.
Her book Failure to Communicate: Why People Don’t Listen and What to Do About It, released in 2018, is a comprehensive guide to improving communication skills to achieve desired outcomes.
Holly is a sought-after speaker, and she has been featured in interviews on NPR and other news outlets.
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Over to You
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Welcome to DailyBitsOfWisdom.com, my passion project inspired by my own battle with depression. Here, I share resources on journaling, positive affirmations, self-help insights, and book summaries, creating a nurturing space where we can connect, learn, and grow together on our journey to self-discovery and personal growth.