The Art of Constructive Confrontation

This is a great book filled with bunch of great tips for leaders. Personally I greatly appreciated the idea of covenant, and the questions to ask people. I took one star off just b/c I felt like the book could have been a bit shorter. Bunch of things were repeated again and again and at some parts some water was just added to the text. But overall, great book!

If only business leaders would do this stuff . . . As the authors readily admit, the basic concepts forming the foundations of "constructive confrontation" are not particularly new. Communicating, listening, forming concensus, agreeing on courses of action, making course changes, and celebrating progress should be pillars of leadership for any good corporate leader. Yet, for most they aren't. This book explores just why that is and provides concrete, real-life examples of successful confrontation. The book has an easy to follow format, and non-threatening steps for leaders to take. If the goal is more productivity, less turnover, and a happier work environment, then this is a wonderful place to start. Confrontation has such a negative connotation, normally, but here it is presented in the most positive light. It is nothing more than the meeting of two (or more) parties, face-to-face, to communicate about common goals, etc. I was really impressed that these activities surely can aid in communication outside the workplace. Try confronting a teenager about goals and expectations, and arriving at a commitment from both parties, with a means to guage results . . . and a means to modify the plan. Know what the consequences are when expectations are not met, and celebrate when they are. Seriously, follow these steps and guidleines and you can be a great leader, even in your own home.

The authors have conveyed a simple way to have less conflict with greater accountability. It's a great read for upper as well as middle management. Following the suggestions in the book, also reduces a great deal of stress in the workplace.

This book illustrates the way to practicing confrontation (constructively) that forwards projects and gets the job done! My stress level has dropped greatly from using the principles in this book. I wish everyone would read it!

I have always thought of confrontation as being something to be avoided because of it's negative connotation. This book showed me how important and positive confrontation can actually be - not only in the workplace but in our personal relationships as well. Great book! All people in leadership positions should take this great advice.