Portable Learner» Phil Harkins http://portablelearner.com A website by Shanta Rohse on learning, technology and design Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:24:02 +0000 en hourly 1 Controlling the Conversation http://portablelearner.com/book-notes/controlling-conversation/ http://portablelearner.com/book-notes/controlling-conversation/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:02:46 +0000 Shanta Rohse http://portablelearner.com/?p=749 more →]]> Phil Harkins is an international consultant in leadership and organizational development, so it shouldn’t be surprising that this book focuses on conversations as a tool for influencing others to get results. He offers a four-step guide through the vagaries of unscripted conversations that have you root out the facts of the situation, forge an emotional connection, explore various alternatives, and mutually commitment to action. Published in 1999, the Powerful Conversation format feels a little controlling and condescending ten years later. Harkins advises not to skip any stage during a conversation, warning that the commitments that result from such undisciplined discussion will often be shaky. Here is how Harkins views passionate champions, those individuals who will make the difference in achieving the organization’s overall strategy. Harkins advises against empowering these passionate champions or they might just implement their own agenda. Instead, he suggests you enlist them in a joint cause, through Powerful Conversation, keep in close touch, through conversation, and ensure your agendas remain aligned as you push ahead. I think today’s exemplary leader would loosen the reigns a little, allow serendipity to enter into the discussion, realizing that strength comes from the conversation itself, and not from control of the agenda.

Controlling the Conversation originally appeared on Portable Learner on March 23rd, 2009

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