Now We’re Talking, the latest book by Sarah Rozenthuler, aims to overcome the obstacles that stop you from having a difficult conversation and use ‘authentic dialogue’ tools so you can move from avoidance or breakdown to breakthrough.
How to discuss what
really matters
Research says that 70% of managers avoid having difficult conversations. This leads to poor decision-making, a cynical atmosphere that rots communication, and people competing rather than collaborating. Avoiding difficult conversations saps our energy, keeps us feeling stuck and blocks positive outcomes.
"Having the right conversation is at the heart of transformation. Sarah’s book shows how to do this, with practical examples that leaders can adopt. This gives new ways to relate to employees and run executive and board meetings."
Dr. Andrew White, Senior Fellow in Management Practice, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
"Read this book if you want to expand your ability to have the important or difficult conversations – whether with yourself, in your private life or at work. A skill so important right now and none better to lead us to success than Sarah!"
Alexander Hiller, Managing Director, Russell Reynolds Associates
"Cultivating the right mindset for engaging in authentic dialogue is essential for effective leadership in today’s complex and dynamic world. In an age of profound ‘polycrisis’, Now We’re Talking is a must read for those truly focused on the power of purpose and what matters most."
David Hartman, Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines
"This book is both inspiration and tonic – full of ideas which I hope to imitate and adapt, while at the same time nailing and calming the fears which could otherwise derail. Thank you, Sarah!"
The Rt Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, Bishop for Episcopal Ministry in the Anglican Communion and Deputy Secretary General
"This book provides the ideal basis for those in leadership and management positions to reflect on what more they can do to develop their skills, become an active listener and learn how to effect positive change."
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Glasgow
"Now We’re Talking builds your understanding and grows your skillset with its step-by-step process to having richer, more connected conversations. A wonderful toolkit for tackling those difficult conversations – with your boss, employees, family or in your personal relationships – with confidence."
Niamh Dowling, Principal and CEO, RADA
"Eminently practical, this beautifully researched, accessible book is an absolute must for any leader wanting to handle difficult conversations with greater care and skill. The tools shared here are easy to follow and have the potential to be real game-changers for those wise enough to try them out."
Paul Williamson, Group Head of Talent Development, Ambassador Theatre Group
An introduction to the author
Sarah Rozenthuler is a Chartered Psychologist, a leadership coach, a dialogue consultant, and a motivational speaker. She is the author of Powered by Purpose: Energise people to do great work (2020), with a foreword by Paul Polman and How to have Meaningful Conversations: 7 strategies for talking about what matters (2012, 2019), with a foreword by Neale Donald Walsch.
